Stolen caravans arrests ahead of horse fair

Two men have been arrested after police recovered several suspected stolen vehicles ahead of Appleby Horse Fair.

Cumbria Police found four caravans and a pick-up truck, all believed to be stolen, in Brough and Long Marton on Saturday.

Meanwhile, in a field in Kirkby Lonsdale, a group of people with 13 caravans and vehicles were told to move on after an unauthorised encampment.

Supt Dan St Quintin said the action taken was "by no means the last" but added the "vast majority" of people coming to the fair - which is one of the largest gatherings in Europe for Gypsies and travellers - were law-abiding.

Appleby is unique in Europe, attracting some 10,000 Gypsies and travellers to the gathering in Westmorland, as well as more than 30,000 other visitors.

This year's event runs from 6 to 12 June.

Cumbria Police said it was running an operation targeting stolen vehicles being brought into the county.

Officers found a Toyota Hilux pick-up truck in the Brough area, which they suspected was stolen from the Essex area on Saturday.

A 27-year-old man from the Kent area was arrested on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of an offensive weapon.

He has been released on bail and was banned from entering Cumbria.

In Powis Lane in Long Marton, the force then recovered four caravans suspected to be stolen - three believed to be from the south of England and one from Wales.

A 38-year-old man from the Kent area was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. He remains in custody.

Supt Dan St Quintin explained: "Officers are working to identify and take enforcement action against the minority who either come to the county intent on committing offences or come here after committing offences elsewhere.

"This will enable the vast majority of people coming to the fair who are law-abiding to enjoy it."

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