Group caught having BBQs on West Kennet Long Barrow

Police went to the site after being alerted by a walker

Police dispersed a group of around 30 people who were having BBQs on an ancient monument.

Wiltshire Police said officers were called to the West Kennet Long Barrow on Sunday afternoon.

Two fires were extinguished and the group were asked to leave, the force said.

The West Kennet Long Barrow is a part of the Avebury World Heritage Site, alongside Avebury Henge and Silbury Hill.

Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act of 1979 it is an offence to cause damage to a scheduled monument.

Police said only minimal ash marks were left at the site

Wiltshire Police said said only minimal ash marks were left on the site, adding: "We take this behaviour very seriously and work closely with the National Trust and English Heritage to ensure these monuments are protected.

"Please if you are visiting our beauty spots, pay attention to the signage and respect the landscape.

"We would like to thank the walker who reported this to us as it has prevented any further damage taking place."

The West Kennet Long Barrow dates to around 3,650 BC and has been described by archaeologists as being typical of the Early Neolithic period.

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