EXCLUSIVE: Traveller storm into former fire station and put a ‘lock and chain on the gates’: Police plead with mob to leave site that was used as Covid test centre
- Around 70 travellers arrived at around 9pm on Thursday and set up camp
- Pictures from the scene showed a black metal gate locked shut with a chain
- Residents said the group could be heard chanting ‘we shall not be moved’
- Humberside Fire and Rescue have confirmed they are aware of the ‘unauthorised encampment’ and working with partner agencies to take relevant action
Travellers last night sang ‘we shall not be moved’ after storming a former fire station in Hull and putting a ‘lock and chain on the gate’ stopping anyone else from entering.
Around 70 travellers arrived at around 9pm on Thursday and set up camp in an enclosed compound area of the former east Hull fire station in Southcoates Lane.
Pictures from the scene showed a black metal gate locked shut with the chain. Behind the gate caravans and cars could be seen in the car park to the side and rear of the station, which is surrounded by metal fencing.
Travellers last night sang ‘we shall not be moved’ after storming a former fire station in Hull (pictured) and putting a ‘lock and chain on the gate’ stopping anyone else from entering
Pictured: Caravans and vehicles are shown behind a gate that has been locked shut with a chain which residents said had been placed there by travellers who stormed the site
Humberside Fire and Rescue have confirmed they are aware of the ‘unauthorised encampment’ and working with partner agencies to take relevant action.
A local resident said: ‘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’.
The police arrived on the scene for an hour before returning to duties.
‘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.
‘Currently they are using the parking at the back of the fire station which is an enclosed compound but an alarm in the building was going off this morning.
Around 70 travellers arrived at around 9pm on Thursday and set up camp in an enclosed compound area of the former east Hull fire station (pictured) in Southcoates Lane
A Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) spokeswoman confirmed that the fire service had been notified about an unauthorised encampment on the grounds of the station
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.’
A Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) spokeswoman confirmed that the fire service had been notified about an unauthorised encampment on the grounds of the station.
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.
Pictured: The entrance to the car park at the side and rear of the former fire station is shown in this photograph from the scene. Caravans can be seen through the gate
We are monitoring the area closely and would encourage any residents with concerns to contact the appropriate agency.’
Due to the land being owned by the fire service, a Hull City Council spokeswoman indicated that it is the responsibility of the emergency service rather than the council.
Police confirmed that they attended the scene on Thursday evening after reports of criminal damage.
A Humberside Police spokeswoman said: ‘Officers were in attendance at a premises on Southcoates Lane yesterday, Thursday, July 14, at 9:10pm following reports of a criminal damage.’
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