POLICE are investigating a number of incidents of antisocial behaviour and ‘juveniles trying door handles’ after an unauthorised encampment set up near Lillebonne Way.

It comes after a group of travellers arrived on farmland on the edge of town last week, with the landowner working toward a “legal resolution.”

Anonymous residents contacted the Wellington Weekly to express their concerns, including of children allegedly being attacked and properties allegedly being entered.

Commenting, a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police confirmed an investigation had been launched, and additional police patrols were being carried out in the area. In a statement they said;

“Officers have in recent days attended the site of an unauthorised encampment on privately-owned land off Lillebonne Way in Wellington.

"Trespass is a civil offence and therefore enquiries to identify the landowner have been carried out to establish whether the people staying on site have had permission to do so. We are now working with the landowner to seek a legal resolution.

"Over the weekend we received reports of antisocial behaviour in the area, as well as a group of juveniles trying door handles to properties and pushing a small number of children, which will be investigated.

"We are continuing to carry out high-visibility reassurance patrols in the area. We’d advise anyone with concerns to please speak to those officers and PCSOs and to call 101 regarding any crimes not yet reported to us."

A gate leading to the unauthorised encampment just off of Lillebonne Way was seen removed from its hinges and left by the wayside.