Witham: Three arrested as Travellers move onto former pub car park - Essex

From the Braintree and Witham Times

Three men have been arrested after police were called to the car park of a disused pub.

Officers attended the former Jack and Jenny pub, in Hatfield Road, Witham, at 6.30pm yesterday.

The police helicopter was also called out after people were found to have climbed onto the roof of the building.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Three people were arrested after police were called to a disturbance at a former pub site in Witham.

"Officers attended a car park following reports that Traveller vehicles and caravans were moving onto the site.

"While at the scene, officers found evidence of suspects on the roof of the building and the police helicopter was called to assist in the search."

A 21-year-old man, from Chobham, Surrey, and a 22-year-old man, of no fixed abode, were later arrested on suspicion of being found on enclosed premises.

A third man, a 21-year-old, also from Chobham, was arrested on suspicion of theft from a shop in Witham.

All three men remained in custody this morning.

Six caravans are still on the car park site, and police are currently liaising with the site's owner.

see also: The Braintree and Withan Times - Travellers forced to leave pub site after police order