A popular local park has been forced to cancel a much loved event this weekend after locals were shocked to find an illegal encampment of travellers. Every Saturday around 500 keen runners take part in Bournemouth’s parkrun at 9am at King’s Park.

However, participants who take part in this weekly free event were disappointed to find that Saturday’s race had been cancelled due to a traveller encampment. Witnesses reported seeing seven caravans with vehicles on the 11-a-side pitch on King’s Park. The travellers are thought to have arrived at the park overnight.

A source told GB News that the encampment was discovered by volunteers who decided to cancel the event due to “safety concerns”.

The source added: “The course goes around the field where the travellers are and there is always the risk of moving cars and caravans at any time during the event.”

In an update posted on social media, Bournemouth Parkrun said: “Unfortunately due to an illegal encampment on the course we have to cancel this morning’s parkrun.”

A 26-year-old regular participant expressed his sadness to the People Channel/

He said: “It’s a shame to see the park run cancelled. We do it every week to start of our weekend and it’s a great way for the community to come together and stay healthy.”

Participants instead were advised to attend other parkrun events in the area such as Poole, Moors Valley, Upton House and Blandford.

It comes just days after an encampment of travellers were spotted in Castlepoint, Bournemouth.