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Dozens of officers were seen lining up on the opposite side of the street to a large group, amid fears of a brawl between rival groups. Cumbria Police said the blockade was put in place to stop people who were coming to the town with “the intention of causing disorder”.
In a video posted to TikTok, the officers were seen on one side of the street, while a big group was seen on the other.
Two men were positioned in the middle, appearing to negotiate between the two sides.
The group was eventually ordered to disperse before officers moved aside to let smaller groups pass through.
The fair, in Appleby-in-Westmorland, is one of the largest gatherings for travellers in Europe and is a celebration of the travelling community.
But there were mounting fears that violent disorder could take place at the event.
Cumbria police put in place a section 60 order for the event, enhancing their powers of stop and search, after becoming aware of people heading to the fair with the “intention of causing disorder.
As well as giving officers enhanced powers of stop and search, it also authorises officers to require the removal of disguises, including face coverings and hoods.
A road in the area, Battlebarrow, was sealed off as a precautionary measure.
Officers seized a number of weapons, including sticks, bats and blades.
Ch Supt Matt Kennerley said: “Expert officers are actively reviewing CCTV footage with the aim of identifying offenders and making further arrests.
“A number of weapons, including sticks and bats of various types, as well as bladed weapons have also been seized by officers.
“There is no place at Appleby for those who travel here intent on disorder and violence – and that is a message which comes not just from the police but the local, settled community and the overwhelming majority of the Gypsy and Traveller community.”
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