EIGHT men who were arrested in connection with the stabbing of a man known as the King of the Gipsies have been bailed.

The men were arrested following an altercation on Monday at harness racing trials in Appleby, Cumbria.

Louis Welch, 40, a bareknuckle boxer, who is originally from Darlington and now lives at Yarm, near Stockton, is alleged to have been set upon by six men wielding knives.

He is known locally as the King of the Gipsies because of his prowess as a bareknuckle fighter.

He was left with multiple stab wounds after the attack at Holme Farm.

However, family members have said the injuries were not serious and he is expected to make a full recovery.

Following a police investigation into the incident, eight men from Preston and Lancaster, aged between 19 and 57, were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Tonight, a spokeswoman for Cumbria police said all eight men had been released on police bail to return to Carlisle Police Station on July 2.