ROCKS have allegedly been thrown at toddlers after 70 caravans moved in yards from a popular park.
The ugly scenes on Horfield Common in Bristol reportedly left parents “crying and shaking”.
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Fences were chopped down with chainsaws and fire extinguishers set off in a café, local Sam Thomson said.
Sam told the BBC: “A lot of people came into the cafe very upset, visibly upset.
“They’d had some sort of altercation and been shouted at or screamed or sworn at.
“The whole atmosphere felt very intimidating. And then we got the the position where there was vandalism happening.
“Chainsaws taken to some of the fences outside, someone with an axe hacking at something in the park.
“We had a number of issues in the café, then kids came in setting off fire extinguishers, knocking over the fridge and stealing ice creams.”
Cafe boss Sam added: “With the best will in the world, we are not here for this.
“Our staff are not here to rugby tackle people over ice creams. We don’t want it to be a fortress – it’s a community space.”
Around 70 caravans parked up on Horfield Common on Wednesday last week.
Cops took the “very unusual” decision to move the group on a week ago on Friday.
The caravans moved on to Eastville Park, where they were encircled by a number of riot vans.
Avon and Somerset Police said last week it had received reports of “anti-social behaviour and criminal damage” on the common.
A spokesperson added: ” This included vandalism to trees and fencing.
“It was also reported that equipment belonging to a running club had been stolen.
“Officers have attended and are investigating. They continue to engage with those on the site and with Bristol City Council.”
Bristol City Council said: “Using police powers to remove an encampment is very unusual.
“But the impact on the local community has driven the decision to take immediate action.
“The council’s Gypsy Roma traveller team is working closely with the police and will be supporting the eviction.
“The council will also clear up any mess that is left behind by the group.
“The vast majority of Gypsy travellers who pass through the city are law abiding and respectful citizens.”
A spokesperson added: “Operations such as this are exceptionally rare.”
Traveller camps – what are the rules?
LOCAL authorities used to have a legal duty to provide sites for Travellers.
In 1994 this obligation was removed following the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.
Since then, the lack of official encampment sites throughout the country has forced Travellers to camp wherever they can.
If there is an unauthorised encampment, only the landowner has the legal authority to deal with any problems associated with it.
The chances of an unauthorised encampment on your land will be reduced if it is secured.
