THREE balaclava-clad men armed with 'bladed articles' are being hunted by police following an attempted early morning robbery at Appleby Horse Fair.

Detectives are investigating after the men entered a caravan on Fair Hill, where travellers are camped over the weekend for the popular fair, and demanded money from people inside.

Police said three of the occupants were assaulted and sustained minor injuries.

It happened around 1.35am today (Sunday).

The men were described as white males, aged 27-30 years old, with Northern Irish accents.

Gypsy spokesperson Billy Welch said: "We were surprised and disappointed to hear about the attempted robbery on Fair Hill, because it is so unusual.

"Nothing like this has ever happened before in the hundreds of years that Appleby Fair Hill has been running and we take pride that Fair Hill has been known as one of the quietest and safest of all the campsites.

"We are asking for any information about those responsible, although we do know that they approached Fair Hill by coming over the fence from the adjoining campsite, and ran off in the same direction.

"The victims managed to drive them off and suffered only minor injuries. It was an unpleasant incident, but it should not overshadow what has otherwise been a very quiet and peaceful fair."

Detective Superintendent Andy Slattery said: “Incidents like this are very unusual in Cumbria and we have a team of officers working hard to establish what has happened and bring those responsible to justice.

"I would urge anyone who may have information, or noticed something suspicious in the early hours of this morning, to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call Cumbria Police via 101 and ask for the CID officers in Appleby, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.