A group of “extremely aggressive” travellers arrived on Wandsworth Common at around 4.30pm yesterday.

One man, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the group had begun harassing residents saying: “I’m going to **** you up.

“I’m going rearrange your ****ing face.”

During these verbal attacks the trespassers mimicked head-punching.

Children from Burntwood School were passing through the area at the time.

Wandsworth Times:

Police arrived after 20 minutes, threatened legal action and the group left at around 7pm, insisting they had to feed their children before they left.

Another group arrived at 8pm but moved on of their own accord, leaving the common clear at 9pm.

Our source said: “Obviously they had been told by the others.

“They left lots of mud tracks and all their rubbish.”

He witnessed some of the exchanges with the residents and described the group as “really threatening”.

Wandsworth Times:

It is believed the group had been occupying Nightingale Lane but left following legal action by the owners.

In April last year, police ejected another group of travellers from the common with no reports of trouble.

Environment spokesman Councillor Jonathan Cook said: “This was a very good outcome.

“We were able to nip this particular problem in the bud and ensure that the common remains free of unauthorised vehicles and people setting up unlawful camps.

“We made sure that we were able to prevent other vehicles and caravans from joining this group and ensure the quick departure of those who had arrived that afternoon.”

Camping overnight on the common without prior authorisation from the council, is a criminal offence under Wandsworth’s parks and open spaces byelaws.

As well as prosecuting those who breach the byelaws, the council has powers to physically remove any person, and their belongings, including vehicles, if they do not comply.

Residents who witness any incident involving travellers on council-owned land should contact the town hall's 24 hour emergency response team on (020) 8871 6900

If you have information about yesterday’s incident and want to share your story contact: grainne.cuffe@london.newsquest.co.uk/02087226310