Doncaster man among four charged after violence erupts at traveller Appleby Horse Fair

A Doncaster man is among four men charged after armed officers broke up gang violence at a famous traveller fair.
By Darren Burke
Published 15th Aug 2021, 19:36 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Shocking footage showed hundreds of travellers furiously attacking each other at the Appleby Horse Fair in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria.

Cumbria Police say they made seven arrests following disorder on The Sands in Appleby.

A spokesman said: "Four have now been charged.

Appleby Horse Fair is one of the biggest events in the traveller calendar. (Photo: Getty Images)Appleby Horse Fair is one of the biggest events in the traveller calendar. (Photo: Getty Images)
Appleby Horse Fair is one of the biggest events in the traveller calendar. (Photo: Getty Images)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Barney McGinley, 19, of no fixed address, Cornelius McGinley, 22, of no fixed address and Bernard McGinley, 44, of Gibbon Lane, Thorne, Doncaster, have each been charged with two counts of assault by beating and one count of violent disorder.

"A 16-year-old, of no fixed address, was charged with two counts of common assault and one count of violent disorder. He is due in court on 21 September, 2021."

A Section 60 Order was later put in place on the whole vicinity where the annual Appleby Horse Fair is taking place.

This will allow officers to stop and search people without needing to suspect that they may be carrying weapons.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The incident occurred shortly after 4.30pm on Friday near The Grapes pub.

Footage showed men fighting as horrified women and children looked on.

One brawler could be seen repeatedly punching a man in the head in front of terrified horses.

Other fights can be seen erupting along the road at the festival for the start of the annual fair which sees travellers sell horses and celebrate their culture.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After the footage emerged, superintendent Matt Kennerley of Cumbria Police “urged” anyone with information to contact the force.

He added: “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.”

He said police had received information that a number of rival gangs were intent on heading to the fair over the weekend intent on settling feuds.

The fair is an annual gathering for Gypsy, Romany and travelling communities and is billed as the biggest traditional Gypsy Fair in Europe.