TRAVELLERS have set up an encampment on a privately-owned car park at Poole's Nuffield Industrial Estate.

Four caravans and a number of cars are currently occupying a portion of the car park belonging to high-end textile merchant GP & J Baker Ltd - a 125-year-old company with a Royal warrant.

The group, which includes several children, are believed to have arrived at the Witney Road site three days ago - with the fourth caravan gaining access on Thursday night.

Two security guards from SWL Security Services employed by GP and J Baker were manning the entrance to the car park on Friday to oversee the safety of staff. Employees were continuing to park in the remainder of the car park and work as normal on site.

It is understood that court papers were due to be served on Friday afternoon, with the court date not likely to be before Wednesday.

Global business GP and J Baker produces fabrics and wallpapers for brands including Mulberry Home and Baker Lifestyle.

A holder of the Royal Warrant since 1984 the company provides fabrics for Royal residences in the UK and abroad. Manger Shaun Jackson said the company had no comment to make on the presence of the travellers.

A Borough of Poole spokesman, who confirmed council officers were aware of the encampment, added: “This is a privately-owned car park and it is for the landowner to manage this encampment.”

A Dorset Police spokesman said they were investigating an alleged assault at the site.

The spokesman added: “We had a call at 8.22am this morning reporting an assault on a member of staff.”

This alleged assault occurred the previous evening, police said.