AN 86-year-old woman ended up in hospital following an incident in Carlisle city centre.

Five people from Carlisle - including three teenagers - have been arrested on suspicion of affray in relation to the incident which happened yesterday afternoon at the bus stop outside the Market Hall in West Tower Street

A group of about ten teenagers and young adults were involved in an altercation with a couple in their thirties when the elderly passerby was knocked to the ground.

Police said it turned violent and members of the public tried to intervene as punches were thrown.

A man was also seeing waving around a trowel, used by nearby workmen, before it was taken off him.

A spokeswoman from the North West Ambulance Service told the News & Star that they were called out around 2.40pm and took the woman, from Wigton, to the Cumberland Infirmary with suspected head injuries.

Sergeant Katie Rickerby said: “This was a serious altercation causing an innocent members of the public to be injured. Thankfully she wasn’t seriously injured but that does not in any way dilute the incident.

“Officers are continuing their enquiries to find those involved and we would ask that members of the public with information get in touch. Your information could help us bring these offenders to justice.

“This occurred in broad daylight in a busy part of the city centre, someone must know something about those involved.”

The four people arrested yesterday were: a 16-year-old youth, an 18-year-old man, a 30-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman. They have all been bailed until August 26.

A 17-year-old youth from Carlisle has also been arrested on suspicion of affray and is helping officers with their enquiries.

It was reported that there was a high police presence in the area following the incident.

Police are continuing with their enquiries to identify and trace those involved. Officers are asking witnesses to contact 101 and asked to speak to an officer at Durranhill Police Station or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.