Insiders and terrified residents have complained that criminals and illegal immigrants are living there after owners of pitches rented them out illegally – a problem critics fear is being repeated at traveller sites around the country. More than 80 officers included personnel from armed units and the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command rushed onto the Buckles Lane site early in the morning. Glasgow-born lorry driver McKenna had three caravans at the traveller site. In November, a Planning Inspector backed Wiltshire Council which had taken enforcement action against traveller site owner Patrick Ward. ‘I know of cases where councils are even directing people who approach them as homeless to a traveller site, saying it is the only place available, although they will never admit this.

Source: Daily Mail February 13, 2026 01:44 UTC