TWO people - including a child - have been bitten by dogs near a travellers' camp in Witney. 

The group of travellers parked several caravans on King George’s Playing Field in Oxford Road yesterday.

A 13-year-old boy was bitten by a small dog while on his way to nearby Wood Green School at around 8am this morning, the Oxford Mail understands. 

The school has since sent out a letter, which warns of animals acting unpredictably and advises parents to consider discussing a change of route with their children. 

Then, at 11am, a 23-year-old man was bitten by a small dog in the field. 

Neither the boy nor the man were injured. 

Witney Town Council said it was working with the county council and police to repossess the land and resolve the situation as swiftly as possible.

A spokesman for the town’s neighbourhood policing team said: “We are engaging with the group and will conduct an initial assessment of the site.

“We have received a number of calls from concerned residents and the PCSOs have been tasked to conduct reassurance patrols and complete some house to house enquiries.”

As well as police officers, a team from West Oxfordshire District Council had visited the site.

It is understood that a gate had been removed from the field last week.

A chain and padlock was put in the gate’s place.

The chain and unbroken padlock can be seen strewn across the ground at the field’s entrance.

A spokesman from the county council told the Witney Gazette: “The travellers are at the playing fields, which is owned by Witney Town Council.

“The police and West Oxfordshire District Council have visited and we are visiting later.”

It is also understood that the group brought a horse with them to the site.