The arrival of Travellers at Royal Liverpool Golf Club effectively closed the historic links course last night and this morning.

Yesterday evening at around 5.30pm Travellers entered the car park on Meols Drive.

The Club reported that thereafter "we have experienced some criminal damage and intimidation".

In an email sent last night to members of the Club, Secretary Simon Newland added that:

"The Police have attended the site twice this evening; however, the visitors remain stubbornly in situ.

"We have engaged the services of a private security company, which will maintain observations overnight and assist with negotiations thereafter.

"The Club House will remain closed until further notice and staff have been asked to stay away tomorrow morning. Members are strongly urged to do likewise, at least until we can guarantee you will not be intimidated and your property protected.

"Please do not enter the car park under any circumstances."

This morning the Travellers quit the car park and moved on.