POLICE in York have moved on a group of travellers from an unauthorised site in the city.

A team of about 15 officers visited an area of Heworth at about 5pm today, after about 10 families in caravans gathered on an area of land between Layerthorpe and Heworth Green.

Inspector David Hunter said a gas station and an electricity substation on the land meant it was unsafe for the families to stay, and the team spoke at length with the travellers, who are now in the process of leaving.

Insp Hunter said: "In the interests of their safety and the safety of members of the public, they have been required to move and a lawful notice has been served by me to move them on.

"They are now moving on to another site. I am confident that at this time they do not wish to remain in York any longer."

The officers had previously gathered close to Monks Cross, before heading to Heworth.

Insp Hunter said the travellers were unaware of the dangers of setting up camp at that location, and were grateful for the advice.

He said: "They were unaware of the danger they had placed themselves in and they did not want themselves or their families to come to harm.

"We work well with the travelling community in and around York, and rarely have incidents where we need to use our powers to insist they move but in the interests of their own safety we had to move them on this occasion."