Moment travellers brawl at Appleby Horse Fair as police send armed officers to tackle 'serious violence' after receiving tip off rival groups were planning to settle feuds
Travellers brawl at Appleby Horse Fair as police send armed officers to tackle 'serious violence' after receiving a tip that rival groups were planning to settle feuds.
Armed officers were sent to the festival in Cumbria after officers got information about groups intending to cause serious violence as part of on-going feuds.
Cumbria Police implemented 'immediate' Section 60 as tensions grow amid fear of serious violence.
Travellers brawl at Appleby Horse Fair as police send armed officers to tackle 'serious violence' after receiving a tip that rival groups were planning to settle feuds
The order will began at 9.30am on Saturday 14 August and will expire at 12.30am on 15 August.
The Section 60 will give officers enhanced stop and search powers, allowing officers to search people without needing to suspect that they may be carrying weapons.
Superintendent Matt Kennerley of Cumbria Police said: 'The police have information that there are a number of groups intending to travel to Appleby Horse Fair this weekend intent on causing serious violence as part of on-going feuds between different groups.
'This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Armed officers were sent to the festival in Cumbria after officers got information about groups intending to cause serious violence as part of on-going feuds
'In response to this information and to help keep people safe, a number of measures are to be implemented immediately.
'Policing resources will be increased in key areas and at key times.
'In addition, people are likely to see armed police in the Appleby area to allow such officers to respond swiftly and effectively to any potential situation that arises.'
Supt Kennerley added: 'These powers will help our officers to keep people safe.
'However, I also urge anyone with information about potential disorder or any other type of criminality to contact the police.
'Anyone who is seeking to come to the Fair to act violently is no friend to those of us – including Appleby people and the Gypsy and Traveller people - who wish for the Horse Fair to be an enjoyable and safe environment for all.'
Cumbria Police implemented 'immediate' Section 60, which will give stop and search powers, as tensions grow amid fear of serious violence
The fair is an annual gathering for Gypsy, Romany and travelling communities and is billed as the biggest traditional Gypsy Fair in Europe.
Around 10,000 travellers are expected to attend the event who traditionally come to buy and sell horses.
It also offers an opportunity for the traveller community to come together to celebrate their heritage and culture.
The fair is usually held in early June outside the town of Appleby, in Cumbria, and attracts around 1,000 caravans, hundreds of horse-drawn vehicles, and around 30,000 visitors.
Around 10,000 travellers are expected to attend the event who traditionally come to buy and sell horses
Over the years, the mass gathering has generated allegations of violent crime, animal cruelty and mess left in the town.
However the RSPCA, which patrols the fair, has said just a small minority of visitors have ever shown scant regard for animal welfare.
Already travellers have clashed with locals in neighbouring market towns when they decided to set up an overnight camp at the Upper Eden Rugby Club when their camp was sprayed with cow manure and sectioned off with boulders.
But, despite the numbers being at what police said was a 'normal' level, incidents of crime and disorder were at an all time low as a new spirit of cooperation emerged between travellers and locals.