A GROUP of travellers have been branded “vile” after setting up camp at a cemetery.

The unauthorised encampment of van dwellers has sparked public outrage after taking up residence at the Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Warren Road, Woodingdean.

The group of nine caravans arrived at the 37-acre lawn memorial, which has specialist areas set aside for Muslims, Quakers and other denominations, on Saturday afternoon.

They had been moved on from Stanmer Park.

The site is covered by a public space protection order (PSPO) which prevents the land being occupied by any vehicle, caravan, tent or other structure.

The order also prohibits driving any vehicle on the grass there, littering or fly-tipping, lighting a fire and defecating or urinating.

Residents took to Facebook to show their disgust, branding the travellers “disrespectful”.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “When will you be moving on the caravans parked outside Woodingdean Lawn Memorials?

"I was told they were being moved on yesterday but they’re still there today, riding their quad bikes in and around a cemetery - one that my dad is buried in. Absolutely vile."

Another added: "I find this very disrespectful as have loved ones buried there."

Police have attended the site but nine caravans remain.

Travellers were moved on from the same site in 2015.