New Forest District Council and Hampshire police have issued statements after a traveller encampment was set up at a playing field in Totton.

A group of around five caravans have been seen at the Myrtle Park playing area in Totton which is surrounded by residential properties.

A spokesperson for the New Forest District Council said: “We are aware of an unauthorised encampment at Testbourne recreational area, and we are liaising with the landowners, Totton and Eling Town Council, to provide assistance and support."

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Hampshire police have also said it is aware of the encampment and monitoring the situation.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson added: “We are aware of an unauthorised encampment at the recreation area behind Eliots Close in Totton, and our officers have attended the site to assess the situation.

“We are working closely with the landowners to seek a suitable resolution.”

This comes as a number of traveller encampments have cropped up over the Hampshire and Southampton area in the last month.

Travellers have also been spotted at Mansel Park in Millbrook, Hatch Grange in West End and at Grange Lane in Gosport.