An “unauthorised encampment” has illegally set up in Hall Place for the second time in under a year.

Bexley Council told the local democracy reporting service it is working with police after an encampment moved into the fields in Crayford earlier this week.

Pictures posted on social media showed several caravans parked on the football pitches just beside the car park at the historic mansion.

In May last year the council was forced to again work with police to move a group of travellers, who had parked in the same spot, on from the fields.

A spokesman said today: “We are aware of the unauthorised encampment at Hall Place North field.  Council officers have visited with the police.

“We are working to resolve this incursion as soon as possible.”

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It is understood police have also visited Hall Place, coming just weeks after they were forced to move 17 caravans off from Crook Log Leisure Centre.

In March, up to 30 people were understood to have moved into the leisure centre, having reportedly broken a lock and driven through the gate.

The Met said today they have attended the site in an effort to “keep the peace”.

Police have some powers to move encampments on under “section 62” of the Public Order Act 1994.

If landowners have asked trespassers to leave, a police officer can order them to go if they have used threatening language, damaged the land or have more than six vehicles.

In nearby Bromley, the council secured a high court injunction last year to prevent illegal travellers setting up camps.

The three month order granted in August meant anyone occupying council land could be imprisoned, fined or have assets frozen.