Police are investigating the assault of a man as travellers are moved on from playing fields.

The unauthorised encampment was set up at Mount Pleasant Playing Fields near Hamble Primary School last night.

Around 50 caravans were believed to have descended on the green space.

Police officers were called to the scene following reports a man in his 40s was assaulted at the playing fields.

The circumstances surrounding the assault are yet to be confirmed.

Hedge End Inspector, Alex Lockyer, said: “We will always ensure that we balance the needs and rights of all our communities with actions that are proportionate, lawful and necessary.

“We work closely with landowners, our partners and our communities to ensure that a robust approach is taken against unauthorised encampments within legal parameters.

“Our partnership work also seeks to identify repeat locations where there has been criminality or disorder in order to target harden these sites.”

READ MORE: Traveller encampment set up at playing fields near school

There were vehicles present which are believed to have also been present at Itchen Valley Country Park on Tuesday, May 27.

Police have the power to direct individuals to leave the land and remove any vehicles or property they have with them under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

Failure to comply is a criminal offence.

Following "a review of the circumstances surrounding the encampment", police this morning, May 28, used these powers and the group left the area.

A spokesperson from Hamble Parish Council said: “We are continuing to work closely with the police and will update the community as soon as we can.”