A BARE-KNUCKLE fighter known as the King of the Gipsies has suffered multiple stab wounds after being attacked by several men wielding knives.

Louis Welch, from Darlington, is expected to make a full recovery after the incident at a harness racing event in Appleby, Cumbria.

It is believed a rival group of travellers may have been responsible for the stabbing.

Eight men, aged between 19 and 57, from the Preston and Lancaster area, have been arrested on suspicion of assault and were last night being questioned by police.

The annual Harness Horse Trials, at Holme Farm, attracted up to 900 people and is a popular event in the run-up to Appleby Horse Fair.

The horse fair starts on June 4. Travellers from across the country and Europe are expected to attend.

Forty-year-old Mr Welch was attacked near a beer tent at about 1.40pm on Monday afternoon.

Police have launched an investigation into the attack and are asking witnesses to come forward.

Mr Welch, who lives in Yarm, near Stockton, was the proprietor of the Honeypot Lane traveller site in Darlington.

His brother, Billy, helps to organise the Appleby Horse Fair. Yesterday, Billy Welch said: “He’s doing all right, it was nothing serious. We’re expecting him to be out today. It was just a one-off – an isolated incident. There’s been arrests made and there won’t be anything else.”

Detective Chief Inspector Roy Ledingham, of Carlisle CID, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a very unusual incident for the area and a full investigation is under way, but we need the help of the public to ensure the offenders are brought to justice.

“There were more than 900 people at the horse trials on Monday and I am urging anyone who saw the incident, those involved, or any vehicles which may have been used by the offenders to flee from the area, to come forward with information.”

Last year, Louis Welch fought in an exhibition match, in Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, against Tony “TNT”

Tucker, who has fought Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis.

The title King of the Gipsies is usually claimed by the best boxer in the traveller community.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0845-3300-24-7, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.