A WALL surrounding a caravan site that houses Traveller families was partially destroyed when a truck reversed into it deliberately.

The attack on the Sherdley Caravan Park has prompted the head of a St Helens-based gypsy family to claim a hate campaign is trying to force him and his family out of their homes.

James Price, who runs the caravan park, where he lives in a compact little home, says many Travelling families have left the site amid fears for their safety.

It has left just five berths occupied out of a possible 20.

Those who have fled include a 69-year-old woman, who had lived on the site for more than three decades and an 82-year-old woman, who left over fears for her safety. Mr Price claims that last Friday night (April 15), a lorry rammed into the brick wall on the edge of the site, which is just off St Helens Linkway.

The attack punched several large holes and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The incident comes less than two weeks after a van was firebombed outside a Traveller’s house on Leonard Street in Sutton and another car torched on Broad Oak Road in Parr.

Mr Price, 57, who has lived in St Helens more than 40 years, said: “I heard this crashing.

“I always keep a vehicle at the gate just in case, but saw this 7½ tonner backing into the walls. I ran out but they drove off.

“People are now saying we have had enough; we’re not taking it anymore.”

Detectives confirmed to the Star they are investigating the wall damage. A truck has been seized and is being forensically examined.

Meanwhile, Mr Price spoke of a previous attack last summer in which a gang of 20 masked intruders broke into the site, smashing vehicles and the windows of his home as his family slept inside.

Asked why they have been targeted, the grandfather-of-four said: “We are the only family that stands up to them.

“But I’m never going to leave. I own land here, my family is here. I can’t leave them. This is one of the best sites in England.

“My father said on his deathbed not to give this site up. And I never will.”