Travellers set up camp at a popular sports field by the River Itchen in Southampton today, leaving later on in the afternoon.

At least two caravans drove onto one of the football pitches at Riverside Park this morning, which is a Southampton City Council site along the River Itchen.

Hampshire police told the Echo that they were "engaging with those in attendance" and "liaising with the local authority" while the travellers were still on the site earlier on.

The Echo understands that officers were "moving on" residents who were hanging around near the site.

As of 3pm, the caravans had left the park.

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Carrier bags and McDonald's wrappers were pictured on the site at 3.15pm.

Carriers bags and rubbish pictured at Riverside Park at 3.15pm.Carriers bags and rubbish pictured at Riverside Park at 3.15pm. (Image: Supplied) Riverside Park is a 32 hectare site that boasts six football pitches, two cricket fields, a tennis court, a skate park and three play areas.

The fields are also popular with dog walkers and families.

Southampton City Council's website said: "The Southampton and District Society of Model Engineers run a miniature railway open to the public on Sunday afternoons during the summer months."