A number of caravans have been pitched up in a seafront car park.

The 'unauthorised encampment' has set up in Dymchurch Beach Car Park next to Martello Tower No 25, on Romney Marsh.

Witnesses say about 12 to 15 vehicles with foreign number plates arrived yesterday in the Hythe Road car park.

It is reported that the height restriction barrier was damaged after the group entered.

The land is owned by the Environment Agency, but leased to Folkestone and Hythe District Council.

A spokesman for the council said: "We are aware of an encampment at the Martello car park in Dymchurch and our officers are visiting the site to establish the situation.

"We will then take any necessary and appropriate action."

Dymchurch Parish Council also said it had been made aware, as have police.

A spokesman for the force said: "At 3.55pm on Sunday, November 24 received a report of an unauthorised encampment in Hythe Road, Dymchurch.

"The landowner is aware and will deal with any eviction process, as is standard procedure for civil matters."

Plans have been submitted to turn Martello Tower No 25 into a holiday let.

Another camp has sprung up in Ashford, parking behind Cineworld and Pizza Hut on the Eureka Leisure Park.

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh