British police have begun evicting a group of Irish travellers from a farm where they have lived illegally for more than a decade.

Witnesses say fires were burning across the camp as police in riot gear moved into the area early Wednesday.

More than 80 families are resisting efforts to be evicted.

A London appeals court judge refused to grant permission to the travellers to remain on the farm.

The campers are located 50 kilometers east of London.