Police say caravans, which belonged to the travelling community, have moved from Long Park in Sidmouth to Lime Kiln car park in Budleigh Salterton.

Caravans that parked up in Sidmouth yesterday afternoon (Sunday) have moved on to a car park in Budleigh Salterton.

Police said they were called to Long Park, off Arcot Road and Sidford Road, at 5.10pm yesterday, following reports of a number of caravans and vehicles had moved onto the land during the day.

A force spokeswoman said the caravans, which belonged to the travelling community, moved onto Lime Kiln car park in Budleigh a short time later.

She added: “Police spoke to the landowner and to advise him that trespass is a civil matter and that it was his responsibility to request the travellers to leave his land. He requested police assistance for this. An officer attended the location around 8.45pm and the travellers were packing up. They left without any issues.

“They then moved onto Lime Kiln car park at Budleigh Salterton a short time later. We have been made aware but this is a civil matter.”

Devon’s traveller liaison officer was notified after the caravans arrived in Sidmouth.

Councillor Stuart Hughes told the Herald the travellers left of their own accord at around 9.30pm.