A group of travellers in more than 40 caravans have set up an illegal camp on parkland near an Asda supermarket. Dozens of caravans, motorhomes and vehicles descended on Old Quarry Park, in Barnes Hill, Birmingham, on Tuesday night (9/6).

It is believed to be the biggest traveller encampment in the city this year and has left nearby residents "living in fear." Aerial photos show how the playing fields have been carved up by the multiple vehicles driving onto the land. Luxury cars with Irish numberplates could also be seen parked up on the green space, which is popular with families and dog walkers.

The unauthorised camp sits just a stone's throw away from an Asda supermarket, a fire station, and a girls' secondary school.

One local resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "They came once it got dark on Tuesday.

"We know there have been travellers pitching up around the city and they have had issues with horrendous mess and thefts so we are a bit on edge.

"They need somewhere to go, we appreciate that, but that place should not be here.

"There's lots of families around here who are now living in fear and dare not got over there."

A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: "Birmingham City Council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it.

"The council has useable transit sites and plots for use by the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community - which is in line with Government policy.

"Details of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment carried out and updated in 2019 can be found on our website."