DOZENS of travellers have taken over the grounds of a fire station – and appear to have put a lock and chain on the gate.
A train of caravans rolled into the site in Hull at around 9pm last night, and local residents claim some of the squatters have been heard singing “we shall not be moved”.
Around 70 travellers have set up camp on the ground in Southcoates Lane as the fire service work to remove them.
One local resident said people in the area were stunned at how easily the travellers took over the site.
They told HullLive: “Police arrived on the scene immediately but were unable to stop the whole scale takeover of the fire station which is still utilised by the fire department for training and storage.
“Residents were in the street last night, astonished at the ease the travellers gained entrance to the facility with travellers heard singing ‘we shall not be moved’.
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“The police arrived on the scene for an hour before returning to duties.”
According to the local resident, the travellers are using the parking area at the back of the station but an alarm was heard rining from the building this morning
They said: “The travellers have closed the gates to the compound and put a chain and lock on the gates so no one is able to gain entry or leave the site.
“I’m not aware of any previous times the travellers have used this site or even attempted to use this site as it has always in use either by the fire station and then by the Covid testing centre.
“The garage on site is particularly still used by the fire services on a daily basis.”
Humberside fire service said they are aware of the “unauthorised encampment” and are working to take “relevant action”.
Assistant chief fire officer Niall McKiniry said: “I can confirm we are working closely with partnering agencies to ensure the appropriate and necessary action is taken.
“We are monitoring the area closely and would encourage any residents with concerns to contact the appropriate agency.”
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Cops visited the site after being contacted following their arrival.
A Humberside Police spokesman said: “Officers were in attendance at a premises on Southcoates Lane yesterday, Thursday, July 14, at 9:10pm following reports of a criminal damage.”
