Latest news with #gypsies
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Record-breaking arrests at Appleby Horse Fair: Police detain 123 people for offences including drink-driving and punching a horse
Police made a record-breaking number of arrests at the Appleby Horse Fair this year, including for drink-driving and even one a man who allegedly punched a horse. Some 123 people were detained by Cumbria Constabulary at the annual gathering of gypsies and travellers this year, 80 of whom were for drink or drug driving offences. Officers said they also issued 370 traffic offence report tickets during the event in Appleby-in-Westmorland, while 120 vehicles were seized - including those suspected of being stolen, used in a crime, causing an obstruction or driving without insurance. The arrest total compares to 102 last year, and is the highest figure in records dating back more than 15 years - with the closest challenger year being 2009, with 106. Out of the 123 arrests this year, 80 were made during the fair itself while the other 43 were in the weeks leading up to it as part of the overall policing operation. The arrest total was also significantly up on the 42 in 2023, 18 in 2022 and 13 in 2021. There was no event in 2020 due to the pandemic - while going back further in the years between 2010 and 2019, there were between eight and 60 arrests each year. Separately, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) made 372 interventions at this year's fair - down on 438 last year, but up on 288 in 2023. This year the RSPCA issued 18 warnings; removed, treated and returned 14 equines to their owners; has two ongoing investigations; and is caring for six horses who were abandoned or are subject to investigations; and removed one wild caught bird. In addition, two horses were put to sleep because they were ill, which the charity said was on veterinary advice and with the permission of their owner. On Saturday, police arrested a man after a report of a horse having been punched. Aidan Tomlinson, 22, of Pudsey, Leeds, was later charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and was bailed to attend Carlisle Magistrates' Court on July 14. Cumbria Police also arrested a woman in charge of a horse who had previously been disqualified from controlling animals. She was released under investigation whilst officers investigate. Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin, Gold Commander for the Appleby Horse Fair, said: 'My officers have once again been on the front-foot and proactive in their efforts to make this event as safe as we can for Gypsies and Travellers, local people and day visitors. 'The results of their efforts - and the goodwill of the vast majority of people in all communities - is fewer crimes recorded and a fair which has seen zero incidents of significant disorder or violent incidents. 'I would like to thank all communities for this, whilst also paying tribute to my officers for their outstanding work in recent days and weeks, during challenging circumstances, including the extremely wet weather we saw on Saturday.' However Mr St Quintin said there was a 'concerning trend' in the number of drivers being stopped who are over the prescribed limit, particularly for drug driving. He continued: 'The drink and drug driving arrests we have made have been split between people here for the fair and people not connected who were either travelling through or who live locally. 'Getting behind the wheel whilst unfit through drink or drugs is inexcusable and as people make their way home from the fair today, we will urge people to drive with caution whilst continuing to target drivers who are willing to put their own lives, the lives of their passengers and the lives of other road users at risk.' Data on arrests each year was compiled by MailOnline from the annual 'Learning Lessons' report released by the Appleby Fair Multi-Agency Strategic Coordinating Group (MASCG), which was established in 2008. Comparative figures are therefore not believed to be available before 2009. RSPCA Chief Inspector Rob Melloy, who oversees the animal welfare operation, said: 'Our interactions with the Fairgoing community have been overwhelmingly positive and interventions, when they've been necessary, have been cordial. 'People may have seen something they're not happy with, if it has been reported to us it has been investigated by our staff. 'Whilst we did see tired horses, none of those who were exhaustion tested were so bad that they needed to be removed from their owners permanently. When they had rested, we were able to return them.' Organisers said this year's event was 'one of the busiest in recent years', with a total of 1,307 caravans and bowtops in attendance - up on 1,287 last year but short of the record of 1,318 recorded in 2014. The 2025 figures saw a drop in the number of traditional bowtops to 95, down from 112 in 2024. There were 1,152 caravans, up from 1,078 in 2024, 46 tents and a further six vans, or wagons used as accommodation. Meanwhile there was drop in the number of stalls at the fair this year with overall numbers at 231, including 25 food stalls. This was down on the 268 recorded in 2024 and well below the 2016 record high of 276. Steph Cordon, chair of the Appleby Fair MASCG, said: 'With poor weather forecast over the weekend of the Fair, which also coincided with the Epsom Derby, we did wonder if caravan and bowtop numbers might be lower this year. 'An initial reading of the count would suggest otherwise, but the recording of vehicles at the fair is now much more accurate using drone technology, so comparisons to previous years is not necessarily a helpful barometer.' 'I'm pleased that this year's fair has passed without any major incidents and I'd like to thank everyone involved in the response to the Fair, for their hard work and dedication in making sure that this was the case.' Westmorland and Furness Council issued 21 penalty charge notices between the Monday and Wednesday before the fair and a further 53 during the four main days of the fair. Gypsy and traveller representative Billy Welch, a member of the MASCG, said: 'It's been an absolutely wonderful fair. Everyone has enjoyed it and everything went like clockwork from the MASCG and from the police. 'Everybody is saying they had a really good time and the police and the MASCG did a brilliant job. We had the rough weather on Saturday but it's only one day so didn't spoil it. We've had far worse weather so it did not spoil anything.' 'We're already looking forward to next year's fair – starting the planning and looking at what can be tweaked and improved. I just want to thank everyone - we're really grateful – and wish everyone a safe journey home.' It comes as a huge operation to clear fields of discarded rubbish began today as thousands of travellers headed home – with sofas, wooden furniture, bedding, food and toilet waste strewn across the picturesque countryside. Appleby is billed as the biggest traditional traveller fair in Europe and takes place in the market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland every year. Around 10,000 people from the gypsy and traveller community were expected to attend this year's event, outnumbering the local population of just 3,048 people.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Appleby Horse Fair cleanup begins as burnt-out caravan, huge mounds of rubbish & discarded tents pile up in field
A HUGE clean-up operation has been launched in the aftermath of the popular Appleby Horse Fair. Tents, burnt-out caravans and sofas were left behind by thousands of travellers who attended the six-day event in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria. 9 9 9 Ariel shots of the campsite showed muddy trails across the fields, which were lined with mounds of rubbish. Stacks of discarded food and drinks could also be seen scattered around the area in the historic market town. Grazing horses were pictured surrounded by toppled port-a-loos and cardboard boxes following the travelling community's departure. Police tape and fences surrounded one burnt-out caravan on the campsite. It comes after a fire broke out at the 340-year-old event on Saturday afternoon. Shocking footage on social media showed smoke billowing into the sky as fire crews tackled the blaze. Clouds of black smoke also rose high above the fair as attendees watched on in horror. Many were even forced to cover their faces with jumpers and coats to avoid inhaling the toxic smoke. Stall holders then continued to dismantle their tents and tables next to the fire as it was slowly brought under control. During this time, police officers also formed a barricade in order to protect groups of people from getting close to the fire. 9 9 9 It is estimated that 10,000 gypsies and travellers, as well as 30,000 other visitors, attend the fair each year. The 340-year-old fair typically features traditional music, dancing, horse riding, market stalls and horse sales. Horsemen and women have been seen riding their horses in the nearby River Eden as part of a long-held tradition. Market stalls are also propped up across the tiny town - home to around just 3,200 people - selling a variety of traditional traveller goods and horse-related products. 9 9 9
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
The Appleby Horse Fair clear up: Massive operation underway to get rid of rubbish strewn across fields where 10,000 travellers gathered
A massive clear up has started after a fire broke out at The Appleby Horse Fair where 10,000 travellers gathered leaving rubbish and furniture in their wake. Shocking images show the remains of a white van that was engulfed by the flames on Saturday afternoon along with a tent and stall. Thousands of pieces of litter are also visible as well as plastic crates and cardboard boxes thrown across the site. It comes as the blaze was captured on social media with huge crowds gathering to stare as smoke billowed across the fair that attracts thousands of gypsies from across Europe. In a video shared to YouTube, a fire could be seen burning through a white van which was set up in a corner of the field alongside a stall and several tables. Clouds of black smoke also surrounded a tent as fair goers watched on in horror. Some could be seen covering the faces with their jumpers and coats as they bravely ran towards the fire to start moving tables, chairs and personal belongings out of the fire's path before a small explosion warned onlookers to step back. Some stall holders rushed to the scene and began dismantling a nearby white tent as the van became entirely consumed by the flames. Appleby visitors were then forced aside as fire engines and police officers arrived to tackle the inferno, with 'woops' and cheers heard in the clips. Firefighters brought the blaze under control as stall holders continued to dismantle nearby tents and tables to save their belongings from any further damage. Police officers formed a barricade to protect crowds from getting to near to the fire. In clips shared on TikTok, festival goers walked past the burnt-out wreckage in shock, wrapped up in waterproofs with umbrellas. One clip showed a blackened white van and one person could be heard saying: 'There's stuff in the back, all the carpets and that.' Another video showed travellers at the horse fair continuing with their day as families browsed stalls safely out of reach of the fire and tucked in to snacks from nearby food trucks while smoke billowed behind them. MailOnline has contacted Cumbria Fire and Rescue service for comment. The fire came as thousands of gypsies descended on the horse fair in Cumbria despite the rain for another day of revelry. The fair sees the 3,000 population of Appleby-in-Westmorland swell by a factor of 10 as visitors swarm to the annual event. Of those, an estimated 10,000 are from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Fire breaks out at Appleby Horse Fair: Stall and tent are engulfed in flames as smoke billows cross gathering of thousands of gypsies from across Europe
A fire broke out at Appleby Horse Fair in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, engulfing a tent, stall and van in flames as firefighters worked to tackle the blaze. The blaze on Saturday afternoon was captured on social media and showed huge crowds gathering to stare as smoke billowed across the fair that attracts thousands of gypsies from across Europe. In a video shared to YouTube, a fire could be seen burning through a white van which was set up in a corner of the field alongside a stall and several tables. Clouds of black smoke could be seen surrounding the tent as fair goers watched on in horror. Some could be seen covering the faces with their jumpers and coats as they bravely ran towards the fire to start moving tables, chairs and personal belongings out of the fire's path before a small explosion warned onlookers to step back. Some stall holders rushed to the scene and began dismantling a nearby white tent as the van became entirely consumed by the flames. Appleby visitors were then forced aside as fire engines and police officers arrived to tackle the inferno, with 'woops' and cheers heard in the clips. Firefighters brought the blaze under control as stall holders continued to dismantle nearby tents and tables to save their belongings from any further damage. Police officers formed a barricade to protect crowds from getting to near to the fire. In clips shared on TikTok, festival goers walked past the burnt-out wreckage in shock, wrapped up in waterproofs with umbrellas. One clip showed a blackened white van and one person could be heard saying: 'There's stuff in the back, all the carpets and that.' Another video showed travellers at the horse fair continuing with their day as families browsed stalls safely out of reach of the fire and tucked in to snacks from nearby food trucks while smoke billowed behind them. MailOnline has contacted Cumbria Fire and Rescue service for comment. The fire came as thousands of gypsies descended on the horse fair in Cumbria despite the rain for another day of revelry. The fair sees the 3,000 population of Appleby-in-Westmorland swell by a factor of 10 as visitors swarm to the annual event. Of those, an estimated 10,000 are from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community. Visitors could be seen dressed in their finery and wrapped up in waterproof coats and donning wellies. In its 250-year history the fair has only been cancelled twice, the first in 2001 during the foot and mouth outbreak and the second in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. The gathering is billed as the biggest traditional gypsy fair in Europe and has developed traditions that take place every year. Gypsy horses are washed in the River Eden in Appleby and trotted up and down the 'flashing lane' - a closed-off rural road - before being haggled over and bought. Families and even children hopped on their ponies and horses to trot down the lane, showing off the animals while others watched on from the side of the road. Visitors couldn't be put off by the rain and ran their carriages around the site as puddles formed and onlookers got soaked. Many donned practical outfits having clearly noted the weather forecast beforehand but others chose flashier ensembles including crop tops, mini skirts, shirts and vests. The market Jimmy Winter's Field includes stalls selling everything from fashion to horse-related wares. The fair is held outside the town of Appleby, at the point where the old Roman Road crosses Long Marton Road, on Gallows Hill, which was named after the public hangings that were once carried out there. It was once thought the fair originated from a royal charter to the borough of Appleby from King James II of England in 1685, although more recent research has found the charter was cancelled before it was ever enacted. The gathering is sometimes known as 'the New Fair' because Appleby's medieval borough fair, held at Whitsuntide, ceased in 1885. The 'New Fair' began in 1775 for sheep and cattle drovers and horse dealers to sell their stock. By the 1900s it had evolved into a major Gypsy/Traveller event which brought families from across the UK and Europe.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Fury as gypsy influencer tells young Appleby Horse Fair travellers how to ride their horses into river even if they cannot swim
A gypsy influencer has been slammed for 'downright reckless' advice to young travellers washing their horses in a river at Europe's biggest gathering of travellers. In a tradition dating back centuries, gypsies wash their steeds in the River Eden before trading them in street auctions. However equestrian rider Martina Wright has caused fury among campaigners by advising horse owners to ride their mounts into the river even if they can't swim. Martina, who has 200,000 followers across her social platforms, admits she can't swim herself but has been photographed several times submerging her horse, George, in the Eden. A group representing Appleby residents criticised her for placing bystanders or rescuers 'who may feel compelled to intervene' in danger. In the post on her social media channels, Martina advised non swimmers to hang onto their horse's mane if they get into difficulties in the river. She posted: 'There's so many people that go to Appleby would do anything to get on a horse but honestly not every horse will just go in and swim. 'Make sure you can swim also (I can't swim) but I always stay on horses I know are comfortable with swimming etc.. It can all go wrong so easily and without the rider the horse could end up swimming further into the deep water rather than making its way out.. 'Just be careful, take your time, if you come stuck grab the mane! Not the bridle. Stay safe xxx' A spokesperson for Appleby Fair Communities Group hit out in response. They said the group was concerned at 'the trend of individuals entering the river on horseback, despite being unable to swim.' AFCG said: 'This issue has recently been highlighted by influencer Martina Wright, who posted that many people — disappointingly including herself — go into the river despite not being able to swim. 'While she advises others to 'be careful,' she also downplays the risk by suggesting it's fine because she doesn't fall off. 'No one ever intends to fall off — accidents happen precisely because they are unintended. It is not just the personal risk to these individuals that worries us, but the wider consequences: the risk to the horse, the potential danger to bystanders or rescuers who may feel compelled to intervene, and the trauma or burden left for those dealing with the aftermath of a preventable incident. 'This kind of behaviour is already high-risk under normal circumstances. When it involves non-swimmers without life jackets, it becomes downright reckless. How long until something tragic happens?' The matter has been reported to the Multi-Agency Strategic Coordinating Group (MASCG) which oversees Appleby Fair. Meanwhile, police have revealed there were 49 arrests in the days leading up to the fair opening and drug driving had been 'a theme.' The RSPCA is also investigating reports of animal cruelty, including two ponies being abandoned by the roadside in a Cumbrian village close to where Appleby Horse Fair is underway. A member of the public also reported a horse being beaten and anti cruelty investigators have launched a probe. Cumbria Police Superintendent Daniel St Quintin, Gold Commander for the fair, said: 'The most serious arrests we had yesterday were two drug drivers. 'That seems to be a theme this year where we are catching quite a few drug drivers, either for cannabis or cocaine and they are getting dealt with accordingly.' The arrests generally relate to drug and drink driving, drug possession and low level public order and anti-social behaviour offences. Police said the arrests were not limited to travellers, with some local people also arrested. Cumbria RSPCA chief inspector Rob Melloy, said: 'Unfortunately there are still a minority of people that come here who will abuse the animals and run the horses far too much and work them too hard, but that is what we are here for, we are here to try and find those guys and stop them. 'We have had a couple of ponies that have been dumped and we have an ongoing investigation into a horse that was being hit inappropriately. 'A member of the public saw the horse being hit and reported it, resulting in the investigation. We have managed to save that horse basically.' The incidents are understood to have occurred in outlying villages in the Appleby area over the last week. The fair is entering its second day in Appleby-in-Westmorland, which sees its 3,000 population swell by a factor of 10 as visitors swarm to the annual event. Of those, an estimated 10,000 are from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community. In its 250-year history the fair has only been cancelled twice, the first in 2001 during the foot and mouth outbreak and the second in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. The gathering is billed as the biggest traditional gypsy fair in Europe and has developed traditions that take place every year. Gypsy horses are washed in the River Eden in Appleby and trotted up and down the 'flashing lane' - a closed-off rural road - before being haggled over and bought. There is a market on Jimmy Winter's Field with stalls selling everything from fashion to horse-related wares. The fair is held outside the town of Appleby, at the point where the old Roman Road crosses Long Marton Road, on Gallows Hill, which was named after the public hangings that were once carried out there. It was once thought the fair originated from a royal charter to the borough of Appleby from King James II of England in 1685, although more recent research has found the charter was cancelled before it was ever enacted. The gathering is sometimes known as 'the New Fair' because Appleby's medieval borough fair, held at Whitsuntide, ceased in 1885. The 'New Fair' began in 1775 for sheep and cattle drovers and horse dealers to sell their stock. By the 1900s it had evolved into a major Gypsy/Traveller event which brought families from across the UK and Europe.
