A group of travellers left the Millennium Centre car park in Dagenham after they were given two hours to leave the site by the council.

Barking and Dagenham Council used its injunction, which it says is the first of its kind in England and Wales, which bans unlawful campsites being set up.

Any breach of the order is contempt of court, punishable by prison.

After being shown a copy of the injunction, the travellers left the site yesterday in their 12 caravans.

Cllr Laila Butt, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: “Our main priority is making sure that we protect residents and their businesses.

“The injunction gives us the opportunity to make the borough a safer, cleaner place.

“We are not prepared for illegal encampments to be set up in this borough and we will act quickly to ensure they are moved on, as we have today.”