NEIGHBOURS were “absolutely appalled” when travellers pitched up in the field behind their homes and left piles of junk everywhere.

Three caravans parked in the empty sports field opposite Ray Park in Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green at around 9.45pm on Thursday (April 27).

Nearby residents were “shocked” to see them there, one blocking the entrance with her car to prevent another four caravans getting in.

One neighbour, who has lived in a house backing onto the field for over 80 years, explained the land is soon to be bought by a local sports foundation.

He said: “I don’t think the lease has been signed yet but they’ve been down here to make sure they were moved on.

“The mess they’ve left is absolutely appalling, they just don’t seem to care at all.”

The pensioner added he had “never seen anything like it” in all the years he has lived there.

A Debden Close resident claimed the travellers left a large fire burning and their dogs were “trying to rip the foxes to shreds”.

She said: “The smell from the fire was disgusting - I was throwing up all night.”

Redbridge Council confirmed the travellers left the site at around 1am on Tuesday after it handed them an eviction notice.

A spokesman said: “We were notified of trespassers at the sports field in Snakes Lane East on Friday April 28.

“The trespassers were served with an eviction letter requiring them to vacate the site, and once they left the gate was secured.

“Redbridge Council owns the sports field and is in negotiations to lease it to a local youth sporting organisation.”

The police were called but took no further action.