Squatters have taken over the Mendip Inn — a once-popular pub on the A37 near Oakhill, just outside Shepton Mallet.

Police were called to the disused site shortly before 2.30pm on Thursday, 30 November, after a security firm reported suspicious activity.

Officers entered the building and found a group of people inside claiming squatters' rights. There was no sign of forced entry, but a crime-related incident was recorded.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "Officers attended and found a group of people inside claiming squatters' rights. There was no sign of forced entry and a crime-related incident was recorded. Enquiries are ongoing."

The Mendip Inn was once one of Mid Somerset's best-known roadside pubs, drawing regulars from Oakhill, Shepton Mallet and beyond. It has stood empty for months following failed attempts to sell or relaunch the business.

Under current law, squatting in residential buildings is a criminal offence — punishable by up to six months in prison or a £5,000 fine — under Section 144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. But those rules do not apply to commercial premises like pubs, meaning police have limited powers to remove squatters unless another offence has been committed.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area is asked to call 101 and quote reference 5225336412.

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