A large group of travellers have moved onto land owned by a college.

Around 10 caravans and seven vans arrived at the Middle Block of Epping Forest College in Borders Lane, Loughton, yesterday morning (June 10) at around 11am.

The group were said to have broken down one of two metal gates which secure three structually unsound buildings damaged after being targeted by vandals last month.

Large piles of rubbish, gas cylinders and several bags have since been seen at the location.

The land was also previously targeted by a group of travellers who blocked the entrance to the site for two months at the beginning of the year.

The college was later forced to pay a contractor to remove around 50 black bags of rotting food, paper and domestic waste.

Epping Forest College's Jenny Gebka said: "They literally broke into the gate.

"The police are aware and they have told the travellers that it is a criminal act to break in.

"The only thing we have heard at the moment is that they have promised to move off of the land on Saturday.

"If they don't the police will make them.

"It is such a difficult situation.

"We don't know if we will have to pay for another clean up until they leave.

"It is not good as through no fault of our own our reputation is being harmed.

"Hopefully the issue will be sorted by the weekend."

An Essex Police Spokeman said: "Police recieved reports at around 11am yesterday that travellers had moved onto a derelict site.

"Officers are currently attempting to make contact with the landowner.

"No offences have been reported."

Epping Forest Guardian:

The group broke down one of two metal gates to gain access to the site.