Irish Travellers in caravans were told to leave land opposite a primary school last night.

Police were called at around 5.40pm to reports of a damaged fence in New Road, Dagenham, near Marsh Green Primary School, the old Ford factory and the Premier Inn hotel.

They found there seven caravans and served the occupants with a Section 61 order requiring them to leave the land by 8am this morning.

One of the Irish Travellers, who gave his name only as Michael, said last night: “We’ve nowhere else to go. Our kids are in bed.

“We only want to stay for a few days.”

Khalid Javid, manager of nearby Dalin Tyres & Wheels, said this morning there were no signs of the caravans.

Police said no arrests were made.