Travellers enjoyed a relaxing picnic in the summer sunshine today after driving onto a park and turning a large swathe into a no-go zone for worried locals.
Residents steered clear of the area and a nearby cafe closed early amid rumours of anti-social and 'aggressive' behaviour after the 12 caravans when two motor homes, plus 16 cars and vans set up at Nowton Park in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
Police and council officers scrambled to the illegal camp to ensure the occupants - who appeared to be eating and drinking at they sat in camping chairs around a table with children playing nearby - were aware it was 'unauthorised' and legal action might be taken.
Frustrated locals complained about the invasion, which ignored a sign stating 'No overnight parking'.
Visitors in vehicles also normally have to pay to park there or face a fixed penalty charge.
