TWO TEENAGERS accused of attacking a man known as the “King of the Gipsies” with machetes have been released from bail.

Alex Varey, 19, and George Miller, 18, who live a few doors away from each other in Clare Road, Lancaster, are accused of being among a gang which set upon bare knuckle fighter Louis Welch at a harness racing event which was a prelude to last year’s Appleby horse fair.

They went on trial at Carlisle Crown Court last month (Feb) accused of wounding Mr Welch with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm but the jury were discharged after being unable to reach a verdict.

Varey and Miller were remanded in custody pending a retrial in July, but this week (TUES) a judge freed them after hearing an application from their lawyers.

They were allowed bail, each on a £50,000 surety, and on condition that they live at their homes in Lancaster and do not attend this year’s horse fair.