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The college urged students to attend as normal after caravans were spotted parked among staff and students' cars

Travellers have descended on the car park of a North East college as students returned for their first day back following the summer holidays.

Four caravans were pictured parked among staff and students' cars outside Stockton Riverside College in County Durham.

Signs next to where the caravans had parked read: "Restricted parking - private land. Terms and Conditions apply."

Following the arrival, the college said it was aware of the situation but urged students to attend as normal.

A Stockton Riverside College spokesman said: “We are aware of the situation in the local area.

"College operations are continuing as normal and students should attend as planned, in line with the information provided at enrolment.

"Any queries regarding the start of term should be directed to college reception on 01642 865400 or, for returning students, via curriculum staff using usual communication methods.”

Teesside and County Durham have seen a series of unauthorised traveller encampments in recent weeks, including at parks and football pitches in Darlington.

It comes just days after travellers moved onto Sheldon Country Park in Birmingham over the Bank Holiday.

A convoy of caravans arrived at the park in what is believed to be the fifth such incursion at the site this year.

Local councillors visited the site on Monday and warned the group they risked becoming "trapped" by planned roadworks on Horse Shoes Lane.

Reform councillors Rachel Conaghan and Darren Colling said the works were set to proceed regardless of the encampment.

TRAVELLER 'LAND GRABS' - READ THE LATEST:

The councillors said the formal eviction process could take up to a week.

Meanwhile, residents in Irby, Merseyside, have raised concerns after a protected greenbelt field was torn up using bulldozers and heavy machinery amid fears of a Bank Holiday "land grab".

Locals believe the land has been purchased by travellers who are carrying out works without authorisation.

A wooden fence measuring around 10ft was erected on the previously untouched plot within 24 hours.

Excavation work also took place beside neighbouring homes on Townshend Avenue.

No planning application for works on the land had been lodged with Wirral Council, according to checks of the authority's planning portal.

Three caravans, two diggers, two cars and a van have been observed at the site.