‘Skinheads’ attack Guards

Press, 5 July 1983, Page 10

‘Skinheads’ attack Guards

NZPA Carlisle A gang of youths attacked members of a Scots Guards band with iron bars and makeshift clubs at the week-end after taunting them about their kilts. Eleven bandsmen and one civilian were treated for cuts and bruises at a hospital. All were later released.

The police said that the

trouble flared while the 40member band was preparing to play a military retreat during a (northern) summer fair at Carlisle racecourse in north-eastern England. Witnesses said that about 20 youths, known as “skinheads” because of their severely short haircuts, taunted the bandsmen about their kilts and attacked the officer in charge with iron bars and guttering ripped

from nearby buildings. Spectators scrambled for safety as the police moved in with batons to break up the fighting. Several youths were taken into custody for questioning. The Scots Guards bandsmen are active-duty soldiers in the British Army. The “Daily Telegraph” newspaper reported that the fight began as the band marched into the race-

course. One witness said: “A group of lads were poking fun at the soldiers because of their kilts. “They were giving the officer a hard time and then it just erupted. At one stage there were about 40 people fighting.” The band, based at Chelsea Barracks, is on an Army promotional tour. Carlisle police have questioned several men.