A convoy of caravans attempting to park up in Wandsworth and Tooting Commons was thwarted after park's police stepped in.

Wandsworth Council was told at 3pm on Tuesday, November 3, a group of travellers in nine vehicles including caravans, cars and transit vans, were attempting to occupy Wandsworth Common near Bellevue Road.

March 2015: Travellers moved on from Tooting Bec lido car park

June 2014: Travellers abandon Tooting Common camp

According to the council, this was just the beginning of a far bigger encampment including more caravans.

The park's police stepped in, immediately issuing formal notices to quit and warning the travellers that legal proceedings would start if they did not leave.

Although the travellers did move on around 4.30pm, they were spotted later on Tooting Common, where a further ultimatum was issued.

They left that site at 6pm.

It is believed they have left the borough completely and relevant authorities in neighbouring boroughs have been alerted.

Wandsworth’s environment spokesman Councillor Jonathan Cook said: "This was a textbook operation by our parks police service that nipped this problem very firmly in the bud.

"As soon as we learned what was happening we took immediate steps to move this group on and prevent them from setting up camp.

"We warned them that if they did not leave they would face the prospect of a criminal prosecution under the park’s bylaws and face having their vehicles towed away. Faced with this no-nonsense ultimatum the travellers made the sensible decision to leave straight away."

Camping on any common or open space in the borough of Wandsworth, without prior authorisation from the council, is a criminal offence under parks and open spaces bylaws.

The council also has powers to physically remove any person, and their belongings, including vehicles, if they do not comply with the bylaws.