GYPSIES evicted from the notorious Dale Farm site have set up camp in Newcastle.

The travellers have declared that they will stay there "for life" after descending on a car park just outside the city centre.

Dozens of families, with caravans, transit vans and pets in tow started arriving near to the Sage Great Park, in Gosforth, on Saturday - and are now refusing to budge.

One traveller, who did not give his name, but spoke with an Irish accent said: "We were kicked out of Dale Farm. You probably saw it on the television. We have nowhere to go.

"It is a life on the road now."

His partner added: "We are here for life now."

Others added that they now need a place to "call home" and somewhere for their children to "get an education".

Last week, hundreds of travellers took over Team Valley Trading Estate, in Gateshead.

They brought with them around 30 caravans, cars, vans and gas cylinders after hundreds were evicted from Dale Farm at Crays Hill, Essex, after a showdown with Basildon Council.

The site is part owned by travellers, but over the years a rogue camp began to grow on part of the Green Belt land without planning permission.

Last month, Basildon Council secured an eviction order and, despite protests which erupted in violence, the site was eventually cleared.

Now, some of those evicted have arrived in the North-East.

One worker for software firm Sage, based just a stone's throw away from the car park where dozens more families have set up this week, said: "There have been a lot of discussions about it in the office.

"Absolutely everyone is talking about it in fact.

"We have heard they've come here from Dale Farm but they can't stay.

"It's a car park.

"A lot of people will get very angry very quickly."

The company did not comment but confirmed it does not own the car park.

A spokeswoman said the firm was liaising with Northumbria Police.

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: "Police were informed by partners that notice has been served at a site in North Park in Newcastle."

Newcastle City Council said, however, the land is private and the authority expects the matter will be dealt with the Great Park Consortium.