EMERGENCY services are tackling a fire at a traveller site.

Both the fire service and police have been seen at The Paddocks in Bampton since approximately 9.15am this morning.

One local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, reported seeing a ‘plume of black acrid smoke coming from the site at 9am this morning’.

The resident added that they could see more than 20 fire personnel at the site.

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The blaze follows news that the site is in breach of planning regulations because there are too many caravans at most of its pitches.

That led to officials warning the site is so overcrowded that it could contribute to the spread of Covid-19 and is a fire hazard.

Concerns about the safety risks at the site were revealed at a West Oxfordshire District Council meeting in December.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said the force was at the scene, but has now left.

The spokesperson added there is no suggestion that a police investigation will be required at this stage.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for a comment.