A school has been forced to close its doors to more than 1,000 pupils today after a fleet of 12 caravans pitched up on its playing fields.

A group of around 30 travellers turned up at Bottisham Village College in Cambridgeshire on Thursday night.

The principal of the school for children aged 11 to 16 said he made the decision to close after taking advice from local police.

The travellers were seen chatting, hanging up washing and even playing football on the fields.

A school has been forced to close its doors to more than 1,000 pupils today after a fleet of 12 caravans pitched up on its playing fields

A group of around 30 travellers turned up at Bottisham Village College in Cambridgeshire on Thursday night

The Principal of the school for children aged 11 to 16 said they made the decision to close after taking advice from local police

A statement posted by the 1,080-pupil school on its Facebook page reads: 'Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we regret to inform you that Bottisham Village College will be closed on Friday 15th July and there will be no trips or other activities taking place.

'A large group from the travelling community moved onto parts of the college grounds.

'We are working closely with the local police to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible. Given these circumstances, we have no choice but to close the college.'

'For those parents expecting children back from residential trips, we will be in communication with you by 10am to tell you about details concerning collection.

'It is very likely that students will be returned to and supervised by Bottisham staff until collected at an alternative location and we would suggest that you are prepared for this eventuality, as there will be no school buses running to return students home.

Police, who are in contact with the headteacher, attended the school and advised it should close its doors

The travellers were seen talking to each other, hanging up washing and even playing football on the fields

A statement posted by the 1,080-pupil school on its Facebook page said 'a large group from the travelling community moved onto parts of the college grounds'

'We are working closely with the local police to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible. Given these circumstances, we have no choice but to close the college,' the statement said

'Could we thank you kindly in advance for your support and we shall endeavour to be in contact regularly over the coming hours using the college's social media.'

Principal Jonathan Russell said: 'We are working closely with the local police to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible.

'Given these circumstances, we have no choice but to close the college.'

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire Police said today: 'We are in contact with the head teacher of the school and have a police presence in the area.'

Principal Jonathan Russell said: 'We are working closely with the local police to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible'

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire Police said today: 'We are in contact with the head teacher of the school and have a police presence in the area'

Local Josh Stevens, who posted two images of the caravans on the school playing fields on Twitter, wrote: 'A dozen traveller caravans have parked on Bottisham Village College field'

The travellers were seen chatting and doing their washing outside their white caravans and cars

Local Josh Stevens, who posted two images of the caravans on the school playing fields on Twitter, wrote: 'A dozen traveller caravans have parked on Bottisham Village College field. Police doing nothing.'

Another local Graham651 wrote: 'More than 1,000 kids affected by this - disruption for all the children and parents because of a bunch of selfish idiots.

'Who the hell do they think they are driving caravans onto the school playing fields? Total morons.'