Operation Big Fat Gypsy Bare-knuckle Fight: Dozens of armed officers, dogs, a helicopter and EIGHTEEN police cars raid a Fight Club-style boxing match after violence breaks out among hundreds of travellers

Judging by the show of force, you’d be forgiven for thinking a major terror alert was under way.

However, ranks of armed police, along with dogs, a helicopter and 18 cars were actually swooping on an illegal bare-knuckle fight.

Up to 500 travellers from Ireland and all over Britain had gathered on a Staffordshire industrial estate for the clash. 

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Staffordshire police dispatched 18 police cars to the scene as well as armed officers and a helicopter following reports of gunfire

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Police cordoned off the area after being called to reports of gunfire following a gipsy boxing match in Chesterton, Staffordshire

Police rushed in after a 999 caller claimed guns had been fired between two groups in cars.

There had also been reports of speeding vehicles being driven erratically as occupants brandished baseball bats and knives.

One member of the traveller community said the gunshots had been fired after the Fight Club-style boxing match had ended, forcing police to cordon off the site.

Joe Joyce, 23, who arrived from Ireland for the fight, said: ‘It was an organised event that attracted more than 400 people.