A group of around 50 people arrived at Langdon Hills Recreational Ground in Basildon at approximately 9.30pm on Tuesday, reportedly gaining entry by using power tools to cut through the padlock. Basildon Council said it was “taking action” and park officers were monitoring the situation. In an update, Councillor Andrew Schrader said: "Essex Police has, under the circumstances, decided to use their powers under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (1994) to direction the unauthorised encampment to leave the Langdon Hills Rec'. Kerry Smith, Essex County independent councillor for Westley Heights, had raised concerns about fire risks during the ongoing heatwave. "The ground is incredibly dry and if one spark was to fall we could be looking at disastrous results."