A man who was living rough with his horse on a village playing field has been charged with two counts of assault.

Norfolk police said Anthony Gurney, 55, of no fixed abode was arrested on Friday, February 2 and taken to King’s Lynn investigation centre for questioning.

Eastern Daily Press: The horse on the playing field at Brancaster before it was removedThe horse on the playing field at Brancaster before it was removed (Image: Chris Bishop)

He was subsequently charged with two counts of common assault and a public order offence.

Both offences are alleged to have happened in Brancaster on Saturday,  January 20 and are understood to involve parish council officials.

Eastern Daily Press: The encampment on the playing field at BrancasterThe encampment on the playing field at Brancaster (Image: Chris Bishop)

Mr Gurney was released on bail and is due to appear at King’s Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 29.

He had been camping close to children's play equipment on the field at Brancaster since before Christmas.

Eastern Daily Press: Notices from bailiffs posted at the playing field at BrancasterNotices from bailiffs posted at the playing field at Brancaster (Image: Chris Bishop)

He left the site after eviction notices gave him a deadline of 1.30pm on Friday to leave or have his horse seized.

Rubbish remains piled up in a corner of the car park by the village hall. The parish council is arranging a tractor and trailer to remove it.