Brentwood Gypsy invasion foiled in 1 hour - Essex

From the Brentwood Gazette


A GANG of Travellers overwhelmed security staff at the Brentwood Centre as they scuffled with the guards, surged through security gates and set up camp.

As the centre prepared for a Mind, Body and Soul Exhibition on Saturday, dozens of travellers poured out of nine caravans and swooped on the security guards.

"There were too many of them and they took my keys and tried to drag me out of my car," said one guard, who asked not to be named.

"We changed their mind about dragging me out of the car, but there were too many of them and they got through. Then the police turned up."

Officers were joined by council staff at the site and they set about evicting the Gypsies, who had come from Maidstone, Kent.

"They were followed through Brentwood High Street by CCTV and residents called to let us know what was happening," said councillor Keith Parker, who rushed to the site as soon as he heard the news.

"There was a bit of a confrontation and they nicked one security guard's keys. We called 999 and told them to send the 'hurry up wagon' because it looked like it was going to kick off."

The Gazette watched council staff negotiate with the Travellers, but when we tried to speak to the Gypsies they told us they were "camera shy" and declined to comment.

"They are always looking for somewhere to park up, so we sent notice for our officers to come down with paperwork to evict them," said Roger Hirst, deputy leader of Brentwood Borough Council.

Officers prepared for a long day, but swift and firm council action saw the Travellers leave the site in a convoy after just one hour and ten minutes.

"We'll be back in ten minutes," they shouted as the younger ones gestured at the authorities, but the police and council staff followed them out of the borough and they did not return.

"That's my record – one hour and ten minutes," said Mr Parker. "We had some in Doddinghurst and that took two hours and ten minutes, but that has just broken the record.

"We have a protocol in place in Brentwood and it works. We moved them on as quick as we could and we will continue to do so if they come back."