A group of travellers “cut through the chains” of the abandoned inside the BBC sports ground in Motspur Park and locked themselves inside.

Surrey Comet:

The abandoned BBC sports ground in Motspur Park

Residents of Motspur Park have spoken of how the travellers, believed to camping in about eight caravans, arrived in the early hours of Tuesday, February 16 and put chains around the gate to the site.

The ground has been abandoned since it was sold by the BBC to a developer in 2005.

One Motspur Park resident, who did not want to be named, said: “They came here and cut the chain and came inside. During the night they use mobile electricity that makes a lot of noise.

“I don’t know who they are or why they’re here.”

David Parfitt, who also lives in Motspur Park, said: “I think they obviously came in the middle of the night.

“The only thing is reputation more than what they’ve done so far, I’ve got two sons and they’re slightly nervous about it.”

Surrey Comet:

The travellers moved onto the site in the early hours of Tuesday morning

Since bought by a developer more than 10 years ago numerous initiatives have been proposed for the BBC Sports Ground, ranging from building a free school to a cemetery.

No development ever materialised and the ground is now occupied by ruined tennis courts, hockey pitches and football pitches.

Police, who were informed of the disturbance by Kingston Council, have been seen visiting the site.

Another Motspur Park resident said: “There’s a bit of rubbish accumulating in the car park.

“I saw a police car the other day, it’s not suitable but on the other hand there aren’t enough sites for these types of people.”

New Malden councillor Ken Smith said: "The council will be working closely with the landowner's agents, offering them advice on the best way to deal with the situation. 

"As this is private land the local authority has limited powers but we will continue to monitor the situation carefully."