A gipsy slave gang boss has had his newly built £300,000 house almost completely demolished by a mystery attacker in a lorry.

Eyewitnesses said the truck was repeatedly reversed into the front of the four bedroom home on the outskirts of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, leaving it on the point of total collapse.

The property was in the process of being sold by traveller John Connors who was jailed for four years in 2012 for running a workforce of 'vulnerable' adults through fear and intimidation.

He and four family members each denied a charge of conspiracy to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour but were found guilty by a jury at Bristol Crown Court.

A gipsy slave gang boss has had his newly built £300,000 house almost completely demolished by a mystery attacker in a lorry

Eyewitnesses said the truck was reversed to and fro into the front of the four bedroom home on the outskirts of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, leaving it on the point of total collapse

The property was in the process of being sold by traveller John Connors who was jailed for four years in 2012 for running a workforce of 'vulnerable' adults through fear and intimidation

Many of the victims, homeless drifters or addicts, were beaten, hit with broom handles, belts, a rake and shovel, and punched and kicked by the family.

He has since been released and was the registered owner of the newly built house, which was in the process of being sold on.

The front of the house, on a main road, was completely wrecked and left the property - which was not yet inhabited - facing demolition. The lorry was found burned out in a nearby field.

Police said they were alerted around 5.30pm on Wednesday by motorists who saw the driver.

Gloucestershire Police said: 'A lorry has been deliberately reversed into a property causing substantial damage. We believe the property was vacant at the time.

'The lorry, believed to be one used by the offender/s, was later found burned out in a field in Withybridge Lane, Cheltenham.

'Police enquiries are ongoing.'

The front of the house, on a main road, was completely wrecked and left the property facing demolition. The lorry was found burned out in a nearby field

The house is located near the Cheltenham Civil Service Club on the A4019, and two months ago was under construction by Newline Construction Builders and Developers

A spokeswoman added that the driver had not been caught.

The house is located near the Cheltenham Civil Service Club on the A4019, and two months ago was under construction by Newline Construction Builders and Developers.

Solicitors confirmed that house was being sold by 'a Mr Connors' and that contracts had been recently exchanged.

Richard Handley, of BPE Solicitors, who is acting on behalf of the buyer of the bungalow, said he was shocked at hearing of the damage.

He said contracts had been exchanged but the sale had not yet been completed.

'I have only just found out and am trying to find out what's gone on,' he said.

Solicitors confirmed that house was being sold by 'a Mr Connors' and that contracts had been recently exchanged

'It seems surprising because we were supposed to be completing the purchase of it fairly shortly. Contracts were exchanged a little while ago.

'I was of the understanding everything was going well. I believe the buyer has been made aware but I haven't spoken to him.

'I contacted the sellers saying 'I gather there has been some damage to the property, what are we going to do about it?' but unfortunately the seller's solicitors are away until Monday.'

John Connors was jailed for four years in 2012 for running a workforce of 'vulnerable' adults

Estate agents Cook Residential, of Cheltenham, who have been selling the property, declined to comment.

The wrecking spree comes weeks just ten days after five other members of the Connors family appeared in court following a series of violent clashes with relatives.

Miles Dwayne Connors, 23, Miles Gabriel Connors, 21, Philomena Connors, 16, Sheree Daniels and Thomas Connors appeared before Bristol Crown Court on October 19.

They were charged with counts of affray and threatening unlawful violence during two incidents in July 2013.

A judge said the confrontations had taken place as part of a long-standing family feud because Thomas Connors' brother's wife was not 'of travelling stock'.

On one occasion, the defendants went to the home of two children of estranged family members, shattered their front door and initiated a 'scuffle' before quickly leaving, it was said.

The following day the two Miles Connors were cycling towards the children's parents, John and Louise Connors while they were shopping in Bristol.

There was a confrontation about what had happened the previous day at their home and Miles Dwayne used a pair of gardening shears threateningly against them.

Thomas Connors and his wife then appeared at the scene in his car with his wife, made some threatening remarks and was aggressive.

The judge said: 'This is a family feud which has come to a bitter end.

'There are people in this building waiting to give evidence against their family relations.

'There is no reason to continue this dispute when all parties want to put it behind them.

'It is not very nice to see families in such turmoil. Families are supposed to be and normally are supportive, loving and caring.'

He told the four younger defendants that it was not their 'fault' that they were 'having to deal with' the long-standing dispute.