Travellers have left a site after what is believed to be a petrol bomb was thrown at a caravan with young children asleep inside.

The travellers left the open space at the top of Piddinghoe Avenue, Peacehaven, following a disturbance.

Nobody was injured and no damage was done.

Police were called to the site following reports of shouting. Officers kept watch until the travellers left.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said the force had no record of any reports of petrol bombs but a travellers' group and East Sussex County Council were both told by residents that two had been thrown.

Emma Nuttall, of the Brighton-based Friends, Families, Travellers Advice and Information Unit, said: "When we heard of this incident we were very shocked and appalled, especially as young children were inside."

One local resident said: "We heard two loud bangs shortly after 11.30pm on Monday and thought it was fireworks going off. We then heard a car in the middle of the field drive off at speed.

"In the morning we were told by a council official who had visited the site that two petrol bombs had been thrown at two caravans."

Travellers had occupied the open space at the top of Piddinghoe, Peacehaven, opposite the Peacehaven Sports Park since April 20.

At one point there were 36 caravans and vehicles.

Residents were angry at the travellers' presence on land used for dog walking and other recreational uses. They said noisy generators were kept running into the early hours of the morning.

East Sussex County Council had been working to get the travellers evicted.

At Lewes Magistrates Court on May 30, action to get possession of the land and move the travellers on was adjourned by magistrates who wanted clarification as to who owned it.

A council spokesman said: "We will have to decide whether to continue with the proceedings so we have an option should they return."

John Livings, county councillor for Peacehaven, said: "I have heard firebombs were thrown but as far as I am concerned it is hearsay."