Travellers were served with a police order to leave after they moved onto the car park of a disused pub.

Officers attended the former Jack and Jenny pub, in Hatfield Road, Witham, at 6.30pm on Tuesday, following reports of a disturbance.

The police helicopter was also called out after people were found to have climbed onto the roof of the building.

Three men were arrested and later released without charge An Essex Police spokesman said: ""Officers attended a car park following reports that traveller vehicles and caravans were moving onto the site.

"While at the scene, officers found evidence of suspects on the roof of the building and the police helicopter was called to assist in the search."

Six caravans remained on the site until Wednesday, until they were served with a Section 61 order by police, ordering them to leave the site.

The travellers had left the car park by 7pm yesterday evening.