Travellers threaten to steal caravan from Earlham Park

The group arrived with around 20 caravans and "intimidated" security guards, who were overseeing contractors packing up last weekend's Rock and Roll Circus Festival, until the early hours of the morning.

Norfolk Police were called to the park at 5.15pm after the group gained unauthorised access through an open gate opposite UEA Sportspark, it is understood.

The festival equipment being cleared at Earlham Park (Image: Denise Bradley)

Norfolk Police attended the site on August 25 (Image: Denise Bradley)

A security guard who was on shift said: "The travellers threatened to pull down the metal fences marking out the festival site and take the caravan.

"They did so with smiles on their faces.

It is understood that this is the entrance travellers have been using (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Airstream caravan which travellers were eyeing up (Image: Denise Bradley)

"Then they said they would smash down the gate near the cafe to get it out of the park.

"We explained it wouldn't be of any value to them.

"We got one of our guard dogs out and they went away."

A security guard was sat at the gate the following day which travellers threatened to tear down (Image: Denise Bradley)

The towable caravan, made by the American brand Airstream, had a highly polished aluminium exterior and a distinctive silver bullet look.

Tensions rose again later that evening as the security guard said the travellers started "patrolling" the festival's perimeter after bringing an "influx" of caravans to the site.

"They tried to intimidate staff," he said.

"We brought in an extra dog handler as a precaution."

Security measures have been tightened after the incident last night (Image: Denise Bradley)

The following day, dog walkers condemned the travellers for littering all over the park.

A person who did not wish to be named said: "The mess is awful already.

"They are driving vehicles around where people and dogs are enjoying walking."

Security guards advised contractors packing up the festival equipment on Wednesday to keep everything locked in trailers.

The group had been pitched up at Mousehold Heath since Monday afternoon after leaving a park behind Wilks Drive Farm in Sprowston.

Norfolk Police confirmed officers attended the incident last night and have engaged with those in the area.

A spokesman from Norwich City Council said: “We continue to work collaboratively with police, county council colleagues and our contractors to address issues relating to travellers on council land.”