Fears have been raised of "serious unrest" in leafy Surrey after a series of unauthorised traveller encampments pitched up.

Families have been left "horrified" by camps - with traveller communities buying green belt land and building on it, despite not having permission.

Catherine Sayer from Tandridge District Council said the chaos had sparked "unhappiness and friction in the community".

One incident involved a section of green belt land in Alfold, near Cranleigh, being bulldozed then built on.

It is thought that residents of the area even stood in front of the machinery to try and stop them.

Tandridge District Council claims it is doing enough to support the traveller community

Ms Sayer said enforcing planning legislation was draining local authority finances, while the fiasco was made more difficult because the travellers owned the land.

The council leader also claimed that enough was being done to meet the needs of the traveller community.

Non-profit organisation Friends, Families and Travellers claimed that "too many families remain stuck in limbo".

A spokesman added: "Without somewhere safe to stop, families are denied access to vital services like sanitation, healthcare and education.

Councillor Catherine Sayer said the ongoing situation could cause 'serious unrest'

"Increasing access to safe stopping places, like sites, can give gypsy and traveller families the stability and dignity that every community deserves."

Another similar incident happened on Friday in Bramley, near Guildford, where a group arrived late at night with construction equipment.

What ensued was a "military operation" as they tore through hedges and laid down hard-standing and fencing in order to create a camp.

According to the Daily Mail, a planning application was submitted to the council hours after the work had begun.

Despite pleading with both Guildford Borough Council and Surrey Police to act quickly and evict the travellers, villagers had no success.

A council spokeswoman said: "We are investigating this as a priority and are visiting the site today so that we have a full understanding of the situation.

"Once we have completed the site visit, we will assess the case fully and decide on next steps."

It is understood that the plot of land was purchased by an unnamed buyer before it was developed.

Locals now fear the same will happen to two neighbouring pieces of land which are set to go on sale.

Chairman of Bramley Parish Council, Councillor Jane Austin said: "Friday night these people went to bed looking out over a field.

"Overnight truck after truck of aggregate was delivered, hedgerows ripped down, a new entrance created... it was like a military operation."