TRAVELLERS in dressing gowns have set up camp in a shopping centre car park in London.

Families in pyjamas have taken over Deacon Trading Estate retail park in Chingford with seven caravans.

10 It is thought the travellers turned up yesterday night Credit: Colin Jack

10 A mum struggled to open a car door while holding a child with one arm Credit: Colin Jack

10 A little boy was spotted running about in just a pair of blue shorts Credit: Colin Jack

10 A group of kids was spotted playing in the car park earlier this morning Credit: Colin Jack

It is believed they arrived last night and are currently still there.

The pictures show cars and caravans parked across several bays normally for customers to the surrounding stores.

One mum, wearing a dressing gown was seen holding a child in one arm while also trying to open the door of a BMW.

Another child was seen running about in just a pair of blue shorts.

The retail park is home to a number of stores including Halfords, Topps Tiles, B&Q and Carpets 4 Less.

A spokesperson for Waltham Forest council told The Sun Online: "We have been made aware of an encampment at Deacon Trading Estate consisting of several caravans and vehicles.

"We are working with the local police and the landowner to resolve the situation.”

Jones Lang LeSalle, who are the management company behind the retail park, has been contacted for comment.

The Conservatives have said they hope to bring in tough new laws that would make it a criminal offence to occupy any land without permission with the intention of setting up home there.

Under current law, trespass is a civil matter which means owners face long and costly legal battles to remove unwelcome visitors.

But Priti Patel has drawn up proposals that would give police power to act instantly to remove the offenders and their property.

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She told the Sun on Sunday earlier this month: “The public want their communities protected and for the police to crack down on trespassers.

“Our proposals aim to ensure these encampments can be challenged and removed as quickly as possible.”

Ms Patel wants to copy a system used in countries such as the Republic of Ireland where “unauthorised encampment” is a criminal offence.

10 One woman was seen having an early morning smoke while wearing her dressing gown Credit: Colin Jack

10 A girl dressed all in red was seen helping out while walking about barefoot Credit: Colin Jack

10 Cars and caravans were spotted parked across several bays

10 One woman was spotted walking about in her dressing gown Credit: Colin Jack

10 It is thought there are seven caravans in total on the retail site Credit: Colin Jack