Police and Council chiefs have launched an investigation into allegations that ducks on Kew Pond have been attacked.

The investigation centres on a group of Travellers and their children, who set up an illegal camp on Kew Green over the weekend.

This is the third time in recent weeks that Travellers have driven cars and caravans on to the local beauty spot to the alarm of residents.

On two occasions there have been reports of youngsters associated with the camp attacking wildlife on the pond.

Kew Police tweeted this morning – Tuesday – to say: "We are aware of incidents relating to the attacking of wildlife on Kew Pond. We are working with local partners to investigate."

Richmond Borough Council confirmed it is helping the police with the investigation as it owns the land involved. A spokesperson said the Travellers have now left.

The Council has drawn up plans to install a railing around the entire perimeter of the Green to deter people from driving on to the land.

The work is due to take place later this month – after the Kew Fair has taken place.

Traveller camps breach Richmond Council's Public Space Protection Orders which prohibit unauthorised access and camping on the borough's open spaces. However, it needs to go through a formal legal process every time this happens, which delays any action to remove the camps.