Dozens of caravans and vehicles are leaving the Bristol area after police cordoned off the park

A group of campers and vehicles left Eastville Park after setting up camp sometime overnight. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed this afternoon (Friday June 7) that the vehicles had left the Bristol area following their removal.

It is believed to be the same group of vehicles that arrived at Horfield Common on Wednesday night (June 6). Police are investigating a number of reports of vandalism and anti-social behavior following the camp.

It also led to the closure of The Ardagh and The Café on the Common due to staff and security unable to “continue to provide a safe environment for members of the public”. The vehicles originally came from a camp on the Ladies Mile on The Downs earlier in the week.

READ MORE: Man found with stab wounds at Eastville skatepark

READ MORE: Police investigate vandalism and anti-social behavior on Horfield Common

Officers attended Eastville Park this morning to ‘engage’ with the group of vehicles following their evacuation from Horfield Common. Around 15 vans and police dogs were at the scene to provide support.

Police cordoned off the park to try to evacuate vehicles inside the park and this afternoon (Friday) caravans and other vehicles left the park and the Bristol area. Bristol City Council’s Gypsy Roma Traveler team also attended the park to help move the vehicles.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Using our powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, yesterday (Thursday 6 May) we issued the camp on Horfield Common with a notice to leave as they were trespassing and cause significant disruption. We believe the same group then moved to Eastville Park off Fishponds Road, Eastville and we engaged with them, along with Bristol City Council. They have since moved in and out of the Bristol area.”

A Bristol City Council spokesman said: “Due to the high levels of anti-social behavior and crime associated with the site, together with the major impact it has on local businesses and residents, the police have taken the decision to move the camp from on Horfield. In common using available powers.

“This process started yesterday and will continue throughout today. We are aware that some of the group have now moved to Eastville Park and the police will also be working to move the group out of this area as well.

“Using police powers to remove a camp is very unusual, but the impact on the local community prompted the decision to take immediate action. The council’s Gypsy Roma Traveler team is working closely with the police and will support the evacuation. The council will also clean up any mess left behind by the group.

“The vast majority of Gypsy travelers passing through the city are law-abiding and abiding citizens, and operations like this are exceptionally rare.”

Want the latest Bristol breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out anytime you want. If you are curious, you can read Privacy Notice .