Officers have attended the site which was formed over the weekend off Tamar Way in Didcot.

Thames Valley Police said the officers “engaged” with the travellers who were present, understood to not be a big encampment.

READ MORE: Rubbish dumped across street after bin lorry caught fire

A spokeswoman for the force said: “At this time, no action has been planned in relation to the encampment. We were made aware, attended the scene and engaged.”

This is the second known traveller encampment this week, with another having spent the early part of this week at Oatlands Road recreation ground off Botley Road, Oxford.

The group of about 15 caravans have since left the unauthorised site – albeit with litter and tyre tracks left on the field.

The binmen were doing their rounds in Sandy Lane, Blackbird Leys on Wednesday morning, June 17, when flames came from the back.

At this stage, it’s not clear what was in the lorry to cause the fire, but the most common cause of bin lorry fires is from batteries and vapes thrown into regular household bins.

A spokesman from ODS said: “This morning, one of our recycling vehicles experienced a fire in Blackbird Leys after an item was incorrectly placed in the recycling bin.

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“Following advice from the fire brigade, the crew emptied the waste to prevent the fire from spreading.

“We’re pleased to confirm that no crew members were injured.

“Our highways team has now finished clearing the ejected waste, and our streets team is carrying out a litter pick and sweep to ensure the area is left clean and safe.

Bin lorry fire in Blackbird Leys (Image: ODS)

Bin lorry fire in Blackbird Leys (Image: ODS)

“At this stage, we are hopeful that collections in the Blackbird Leys ward will not be affected, as the team is working to adjust rounds so services can continue as normal.

“A big thank you to the crew and the Fire Brigade for their quick and professional response.

“Incidents like this highlight the importance of disposing of waste correctly to keep everyone safe.”

Oxfordshire County Council has been approached for further details from the fire service.

Ward councillor Linda Smith said: “I’m very relieved to hear no one was hurt.

“I don’t have any information as of yet about what caused the fire – but please do not place electrical items, vapes or batteries in your bin.”

Edward Reed will stand before retired detective chief constable Paul Mills during the panel hearing at Thames Valley Police Headquarters in Kidlington next month.

From Wednesday, July 15, he will defend allegations from various dates in 2023 about the “unwanted” use of sexualised language and behaviour toward and in the presence of female colleagues.

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During that time, Mr Reed was an officer based in Oxfordshire, prior to his resignation.

It is alleged that Former Police Constable Reed breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in relation to Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Equality and Diversity and Discreditable Conduct.

The appropriate authority allege that if these allegations are proven, the conduct would amount to gross misconduct for which dismissal would be justified.