TRAVELLERS invaded private land in Worcester before gatecrashing an aqua zumba class at a health and fitness centre.

The group have set up camp with their caravans at the car park outside Bowl Extreme off Droitwich Road in Perdiswell, Worcester, leading to extra police patrols in the area today.

A club member who declined to be named, said three traveller men who looked to be in their late teens or early 20s, gained access to the aqua zumba class in the Nuffield Health pool on Wednesday evening.

She said: "Three of them jumped in the pool and started throwing the dumbbells around, generally being a pain and playing with the safety equipment. It was very annoying."

Inspector Jessica Loxley- Clark of West Mercia Police said: "Following reports of travellers in Perdiswell area of Worcester, close to the Bowl Extreme, West Mercia Police are monitoring the situation and have targeted patrols in the area. The council are liaising with the businesses to resolve the situation as soon as possible. Some of the travellers have moved on, and there are currently six caravans in the area.

"There has been some concern from residents and businesses, and police have responded to incidents where people have tried to gain access to the facilities in Nuffield Health but there have been no other reports of criminality. Any reports of antisocial behaviour will be tackled robustly and positive action taken."

Nuffield Health was unavailable for comment at the time your Worcester News went to press.

Those with information can contact West Mercia Police on 101.