Pubs locked their doors early as police formed a protective wall after a group of travellers visited Theydon Bois.

The group, who are believed to have been attending a funeral in the area, descended on Coppice Row at around 6pm last night (October 15).

Both The Bull and Queen Victoria pub shut early as around 50 travellers congregated on the green.

Julie Dubois, landlady of the Queen Vic, said: “Lots of travellers descended on the green.

“We were fortunate enough not to have opened our doors.

“The police were there straight away and were on it.

“The travellers were a bit rowdy by the end of the night.

“The police stood in a wall outside the pub.

“They were amazing.”

Mrs Dubois said there was no sign of the group or of any criminal damage come this morning.

Police said the pub did not report any criminal offences.