AN UNAUTHORISED encampment set up in a car park in Hampshire has been moved on by officers.

Police in Fleet worked with partners at Hart District Council to use Section 61 powers, in response to the encampment set up in Church Road car park on Sunday, April 28.

The Section 61 powers, of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, give police the power to direct individuals to leave the land and remove vehicles/property.

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The powers can be considered in a number of circumstances, including when there is significant disruption to the local community or environment.

Police moved the group off the site on Monday, April 29. Fleet Police Sergeant Geoff Hill said: "We will always ensure that we balance the needs and rights of all our communities with actions that are proportionate, lawful and necessary.

“We work closely with landowners and our partners to ensure that a robust approach is taken against unauthorised encampments within legal parameters.

“Our partnership work also seeks to identify repeat locations where there has been criminality or disorder in order to target harden these sites."