Rumour was that the Polish-registered articulated lorries delivering to the travellers were filled with dangerous sub-standard sofas.

The cheap furniture was said to be made of plastic and foam that burst into flames in seconds, sending out lethal smoke and fumes, which could kill unsuspecting homeowners.

Reporting on Europe’s biggest illegal traveller site at Crays Hill, near Basildon – occupied by Irish travellers known as the Sheridan clan – meant several visits to the site and the neighbouring village.