Police were called to a traveller incursion in Westbury yesterday (Sunday) evening after several young children reportedly attacked a man who ‘confronted’ the group.
The children, said to be aged between five and ten, reportedly began hurling nappies, sticks and rocks at the man before he fled in a car, which subsequently had a brick thrown through its window.
Wiltshire Police sent officers to the scene in the Lakeside View area of Slag Lane last night, but their powers are limited due to the illegal settlement being on private land.
“The Community Policing Team (CPT) are aware of an unlawful Traveller encampment in the Slag Lane area”, a Westbury police spokesperson said.
Adding: “A private landowner has been identified, with whom the CPT will be working closely to enact relevant legislation to disperse the encampment as soon as practicable.”
This morning, Westbury Town Council said David Wilson Homes – believed to be the landowner – have been alerted to the ongoing incident.
“We will continue to work with our partners at David Wilson Homes and Wiltshire Council to resolve the situation”, town clerk Deborah Urch commented.
At 3pm, it was clear a number of vehicles had moved off the site but many remained.
