16-year-old arrested on suspicion of possessing offensive weapon as police use Section 61 order to move on Travellers from Cambourne

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon after a Traveller encampment arrived on Cambourne’s sport pitches.

Police used a Section 61 order to move on the vehicles swiftly following reports of anti-social behaviour and damage to the pitches, which were due to be in use at the weekend.

About a dozen vehicles parked up at the back of the pitches, off Back Lane, from about 2pm last Wednesday afternoon (19 March).

Some of the sports facilities in the area were closed for the afternoon by Cambourne Town Council and some training sessions were cancelled by clubs.

A Cambridgeshire Constabulary spokesman said: “The town council asked the encampment to leave alongside bailiffs and were given until 7am on Thursday (20 March) to leave the land.

“However, they remained on the land and a Section 61 order was issued by an inspector following reports of anti-social behaviour, damage to the grass and the potential for sports matches to be cancelled.

“This gives officers power to order trespassers from land and should the trespassers return within 12 months, officers will be able to carry out arrests and seize vehicles or any other property.”

The spokesperson added: “A 16-year-old boy, of no fixed address, was also arrested at about 5.20pm on 19 March, on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon. He has been bailed until 15 June.”

The convoy left on Thursday afternoon (20 March) and the town council arranged for litter left behind to be collected.

Town clerk John Vickery told the Cambridge Independent: “The police force have been very proactive and helpful. The police and bailiffs escorted them out of Cambourne.”

Usually bollards prevent vehicles from accessing the pitches.

But John explained: “We were carrying out maintenance on the pitches. The bollards had been taken out so we could get our tractor on and put fertiliser on there. They came in there.”