POLICE have spoken to a group of travellers who parked caravans near Clarendon Academy this morning.

The travellers parked seven caravans with towing vehicles on the car park the school shares with the Trowbridge Sports Centre in Frome Road.

By mid-morning, four of the caravans had gone and so had the towing vehicles.

Police said: "We were informed today (01/07) about a group of travellers which had arrived in the area of Clarendon School – comprising of approximately six caravans plus vehicles.

"Our officers have engaged with the group and Wiltshire Council and partners are aware of the situation."

Rob Price, head of the Clarendon Academy, said: "The travellers were there when we arrived this morning. There were seven caravans plus towing vehicles.

"We contacted Wiltshire Council and they advised us to call 101 and the police arrived very quickly.

"We are pleased with the police's swift action and have left it in their hands.

"We have locked down the school, so there is only one entrance and one exit. We have around 200 pupils in today."

"We are working with Wiltshire Council and the police who are negotiating with the travellers.

"We hope that everything is done as amicably as possible."