Tensions over illegal traveller encampments in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire

Tensions have escalated in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire over illegal traveller encampments, with both travellers and local residents reporting intimidation and fear. Sky News gained rare access to two sites where the conflict has reached boiling point.

In Buckinghamshire, the Doran family of ten, including father Jimmy and 13-year-old Miley, have been moving from car park to car park after their static caravan was destroyed in a suspected arson attack. The family had bought land and moved onto it without planning permission, intending to settle. While filming at a supermarket car park, a store employee gave them two hours to leave. The family then took reporters to see the wreckage of their mobile home, which was burned just after delivery. One of their vehicles was also rammed. Jimmy said: "They must be a very evil person to do that. Very, very hurt inside. As a traveller, I felt very discriminated."

Local resident Caroline Bevan, who lives opposite the site, said the travellers initially claimed they were digging for carrots, which she later discovered was untrue. She said: "Until you have planning permission, you are not welcome on this site, in my opinion." Bevan has been questioned by police after being accused on social media of carrying out the arson attack. She denies this and blames one of Jimmy's sons. Jimmy apologised for a TikTok video his son allegedly posted about Bevan.

Miley, who can barely read or write, said she hoped the site would give her a new start. "I can do all the stuff that I love. I can be normal, like a normal person, and not be followed in the shops," she said. She added that she is followed because shop staff think she will steal, simply because she is a traveller.

In Berkshire, another new encampment sparked a row over whether travellers were tapping into the water supply. Police were called. Travellers said they faced intimidation, while some residents made the same claim. A meeting was held in a village hall, but some locals refused to attend for fear of blowback. One resident said: "There's already this feeling that they bring trouble with them, they're quite bullish and they can be very threatening, and I think it frightens a lot of people." Another added: "I discriminate against them on the basis of their behaviour, not because I'm a nimby or I don't like travellers."

Residents in both areas said they feel abandoned by the government, accusing it of leaving local communities to deal with the encampments themselves. One asked: "What am I paying all my taxes for? To then have to take it on myself." The travellers say they are taking matters into their own hands because of a shortage of official places to stay.

The government declined an interview request. A spokesperson said: "Any illegal encampment is unacceptable as they undermine local communities and abuse..."