Police investigate complaints about 'encampment'

Police are investigating a "number of allegations" in the wake of the creation of an "unauthorised encampment" of caravans on the outskirts of a village.

Officers say people have made complaints of offences including criminal damage and threatening behaviour following unauthorised building work in Flamstead, Hertfordshire.

A spokeswoman for Hertfordshire Police told the BBC that statements were being taken and officers would "look to make arrests wherever necessary".

Diggers and bulldozers arrived on Friendless Lane on Thursday - green belt land in the Chilterns area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

Police said they were "aware" of the "unauthorised encampment", in Friendless Lane, but had "no enforcement powers" to prevent "access to the land or building work taking place".

They said the development was a "civil matter", which was being led by Dacorum Borough Council.

Nevertheless, the spokeswoman said officers were "continuing to monitor the situation".

She said a "police presence remains in the area" to "prevent a breach of the peace and deal with any criminal matters".

"A number of allegations have been made by several parties involved, including criminal damage, traffic offences and threatening behaviour and these are being investigated as per usual protocol," the spokeswoman added.

"We are in the process of taking statements and reviewing body-worn video and once this is complete, we will look to make arrests wherever necessary.

"If you believe a crime has been committed, please report it. In an emergency, always dial 999."

Residents have previously compared what had happened to an "invasion".

One told the BBC a "convoy of caravans" arrived at about 06:00 BST on Sunday.

Another added: "The vans and caravans drove at us, basically, pushing their way through and bumping into people.

"They were determined to get through us and were really aggressive.

"It was absolutely horrendous."

Dacorum said it was taking steps to stop work continuing and had begun civil court action.

"These works are unauthorised and are a serious breach of the planning process," said council leader Sally Symington.

"I share residents' anger and devastation that a section of the community has ridden roughshod over the council's planning processes."

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