RESIDENTS are feeling “unsafe in their own homes” after reports of anti-social behaviour linked to a tent encampment in Taunton.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a tent encampment was set up on Priory Avenue and said there are now believed to be six people living in four tents.

Police also confirmed they received reports of threatening behaviour, public urination, and nakedness, among others.

A resident said: “There are four tents and a group of homeless people started camping about two weeks ago.

“I rang 999 on four different occasions. In the first occasion, they threatened my partner with a knife.

“The second time, it was about a stolen bike. The third time they were fighting between themselves, and the fourth time they were kicking residents’ cars.

“There is a lot of anti-social behaviour and residents feel unsafe in their own homes.”

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “Police are targeting their patrols in response to reports of anti-social behaviour linked to a tent encampment in Priory Avenue, Taunton.

“Officers have attended repeatedly following an initial report of a woman setting up a tent at the location on 28 August.

“Further tents have been pitched and there are now believed to be six people living in four tents, with others visiting.

“Reported issues include threatening behaviour, public urination, defecation and nakedness, drunkenness, fighting, shouting and fires being lit.

“The neighbourhood team is liaising with Somerset West and Taunton Council. Council staff have attended to offer support and accommodation advice to the tent community. If necessary, the council can start legal action to remove the encampment.

“Officers have given strong words of advice about the behaviour and made arrests in connection with the theft of a bicycle and also an assault.

“Police attended a report of a second assault, but the victim did not wish to speak with officers. (In both cases the assault victim and perpetrator were reportedly part of the tented community group.)”

Neighbourhood Inspector Michael Griffiths said: "We're patrolling the area and taking action when criminal offences are reported, as well as working with our partners in the council to find a solution.

“We understand the impact of anti-social behaviour on the community and I'd encourage people to continue to report incidents as they happen. If a crime is underway or someone is at immediate risk of harm, always ring 999, otherwise call 101."

A spokesperson for Somerset West and Taunton said: “The council’s Rough Sleeping Initiative team has been making continued efforts to engage with individuals on the encampment in an attempt to provide advice and support and discuss accommodation options with those with a local connection to Somerset West and Taunton.

“If our efforts to engage positively with the individuals and move them on from the site are unsuccessful then the council’s assets team will commence enforcement action to legally remove the encampment.”