Shocking moment migrant offers Express reporters sex at illegal Park Lane camp

This is the moment a woman living at an illegal camp in Park Lane asks Express reporters if they want sex. The woman posed the shocking question as the publication visited the makeshift settlement which occupies a central reservation in the exclusive central London thoroughfare dubbed "billionaire's row".

People at the camp erupted when they saw the Express team approach, swearing, screaming and shouting in a bid to get rid of us. One woman repeatedly yelled, "You want sex?", as she tried to publicly accuse us of looking for sex to embarrass us into leaving the site, which is subject to a repossession court order. Members of the team identified themselves as being from the press at the outset.

The Express team visited the camp to investigate after some of those who live there were spotted gambling with money in public. A reporter asked why the occupants refused to leave and their reasons for setting up home at that spot.

Westminster City Council has said many people living at the camp have "complicated" back stories, and those in genuine need require support. The local authority said many people at the camp resist outreach efforts, leading to the need for enforcement action to clear the area once court approval is granted.

The stretch of Park Lane runs past Hyde Park and faces a Hilton Hotel. Underneath the land where the camp is located is an underground car park with spaces filled with top-notch Porsche, MG, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz cars.

Paul Fisher, one of the West End's two local councillors, told the Express that it was a stain on the city's reputation and an embarrassment to the capital that TfL, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, and Westminster had yet to remove the illegal camp.

He added: "The delays just encourage future camps not just on Park Lane, but across the city because fundamentally these people know the authorities will take months to take action."

When the Express visited, police arrived to carry out "welfare" checks on the occupants of the camp. At least seven officers were seen speaking to the inhabitants, with one telling us the reason for the visit was to check on those living at the camp.

But when the Express asked Scotland Yard to confirm the nature of the officers' visit, the force accused the publication of antisocial behaviour and "aggressive language" directed at the people at the camp. The occupants also alleged the Express entered their tents and took photos. While the publication did take photographs, these were taken in a public place and not inside tents, which the Express did not enter. Later, this paper went back to the site with Tory MP Chris Philp, who faced torrid abuse when he went to speak with the occupants.

Transport for London (TfL) owns the land where the camp is located. A spokesperson acknowledged Park Lane isn't a safe place for people to sleep rough, and its focus has been on the safety and welfare of the migrants. The site has been used as an illegal encampment for more than 10 years.

TfL's spokesperson said: "We have been working closely with Westminster City Council and other partners over many months to try to resolve the issue at Park Lane compassionately and safely.

"We had to take enforcement action to regain possession of the site on two occasions last year. However, a number of people have returned with tents and other belongings. We have been granted a possession order by the court and are working through the next steps with our partners."

The Mayor of London's office referred the Express to TfL's statement.