A large group of travellers' have failed to evacuate a site despite promises to leave at the weekend, a college has claimed.

Around 10 caravans and seven vans arrived at the Middle Block of Epping Forest College in Borders Lane, Loughton, on Thursday 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.

Despite claims by the college that the travellers had promised to leave the site on Saturday (June 13), the group remain on the land.

Epping Forest District Commander Chief Inspector, Denise Morrissey, said that the police will now be working alongside the college to remove the encampment.

She said: “The law around unauthorised traveller encampments is complex and Essex Police officers have a legal responsibility to act reasonably and proportionately within that law.

“When land is privately owned – as is the case with Epping Forest College – it is the landowner’s responsibility to take the necessary action to reclaim their land.

“The college has now formally requested the travellers to leave.

"We are working closely with the college to help them progress this matter.”

Epping Forest College Spokeswoman Ms Gebka said: "We certainly have asked the travellers to leave the site.

"We are working alongside Essex Police to remove the encampment.

"Hopefully the issue will be resolved soon."

Epping Forest Guardian:

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