This is the dramatic moment that hundreds of furious locals confronted travellers who had pitched up in a community park.
Police are shown forming a barrier between the two sides as residents chant ‘off, off, off’ at the travellers, who had set up their mobile homes on a recreation ground.
Some members of the 200-strong group of protesters – which includes several children – are seen arguing with police as officers try to diffuse the situation.
In one heated exchange, a man can be heard saying: ‘How can you use dogs against a people’s protest?’
Avon & Somerset Police were forced to escort the travellers off the site by convoy, after issuing a dispersal order which allows them to stop people from protesting
Hundreds of furious locals confronted travellers (pictured) who had pitched up in a community park
A police officer is then heard to reply: ‘If you do not leave the field you will be arrested.’
Avon & Somerset Police were forced to escort the travellers off the site by convoy, after issuing a dispersal order which allows them to stop people from protesting.
Families arrived at Baytree Recreational Ground in Weston-super-Mare to protest after a group of around 20 travellers pitched up at the site at the weekend.
According to the Bristol Post, the grounds are regularly used by the Weston Crusaders Junior Football Club and other sports teams.
The same group of travellers had been ordered to leave nearby Clarence Park on Wednesday, but instead of leaving the town they moved into the recreation ground.
A spokeswoman for Avon & Somerset Police said the travellers were escorted out of the town late last night and that no arrests were made during either incident.
Some members of the 200-strong group of protesters – which includes several children – are seen arguing with police as officers try to diffuse the situation
She added: ‘A protest against a traveller encampment on the recreation ground attracted more than 200 people on Sunday, August 20.
‘Police closed Milton Road and Baytree Road just after 8pm due to the number of people and vehicles at the protest.
‘It’s understood North Somerset Council has already served notice on the travellers to leave the site and that the council is due in court this week to seek an eviction order.
‘A number of officers, including police dog units, are at the scene in order to prevent a breach of the peace.
‘Despite the numbers the protest has remained peaceful and the protesters are now beginning to leave.
‘A dispersal notice has been put in place giving officers powers to direct any further protesters to leave the area and not return.’
The same group of travellers had been ordered to leave nearby Clarence Park on Wednesday, but instead of leaving the town they moved into the recreation ground