A group of travellers have moved onto a playing field in Sutton St James.

The group arrived on the Fred Hoyles Field on Thursday last week and are believed to have moved on from Tydd St Mary.

Insp Nick Waters, of South Holland police, said his officers have spoken to the group.

He said: "We are aware of a small number of travellers who arrived on the playing field at Sutton St James at the end of last week.

"Officers quickly attended the location and spoke with the travellers to discuss their intentions and then spoke in person with representatives from the parish council, who own the field concerned.

"The parish council informed us that they had commenced civil enforcement proceedings. Such trespassing on land remains a civil issue and the police will not be involved in normal circumstances. Where an increase in crime and disorder can be attributed to the presence of such trespassers the police can consider powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

"Such powers are not routinely used by police unless there are serious aggravating factors and would only be used when absolutely necessary and proportionate. As things currently stand, civil action by the land owner is the appropriate route and officers have remained in contact with the Parish Council over the weekend.

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Travellers moved onto the Fred Hoyles Playing Field last week

"The neighbourhood policing team will continue to monitor the situation."

Sutton St James Parish Council declined to comment and South Holland District Council says it is aware of the situation.