POLICE have issued a statement on the latest unauthorised encampment of travellers at Osbourne Park - the fourth encampment of the year.

In a statement posted to its Facebook page, Newton Abbot Police said: ‘Whilst we understand how frustrating it is for residents to lose access to this recreational ground again, please be assured that we are working with the local authorities on this issue.

‘We are supporting the local council, who are leading the response to the encampment.

‘We urge people to think carefully before commenting on social media and to report any criminal or anti-social behaviour to Police via 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency), or through the online reporting system on the Devon and Cornwall Police website.

‘Thank you for your patience in this matter’.

The latest encampment comes a mere few days after Teignbridge District Council (TDC) finished dealing with a previous group.

And on the very day the fourth encampment showed up [Tuesday, July 22] TDC announced its intention to launch a new ‘target hardening’ strategy to deal with unwanted traveller camps in local parks.