TWO men have been rushed to hospital after a mass brawl erupted at a gypsy funeral.
Police raced to Daldowie Crematorium after a huge fight broke out before a memorial service for “Big” John Connor – whose granddaughter-in-law is Big Fat Gypsy Wedding star Dimples McPhee.
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“Big” John Connor, who was a well-respected member of the traveller community, died on November 9.
Officers had cordoned off cars at the site in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, as they searched for clues following the fracas.
The alarm was raised around 12.30pm – 15 minutes before the service was due to start – and two men were later taken to Wishaw General Hospital for treatment.
SAM HARDIE
SAM HARDIE
Police have sealed off the area while officers investigate.
They were seen looking under vehicles and on nearby grass for a possible weapon or any other clues, concentrating their search on a white Volkswagen Golf and a white Range Rover.
A report that a firearm had been used was revealed to be false.
The crematorium remained open throughout – but mourners and even a hearse arriving for other funerals were stuckl in a queue to get in.
It is also thought John’s funeral service went ahead as planned.
One onlooker said: “A huge procession of cars had arrived just after 12pm for a funeral.
“It seems to have been for a well known traveller from the Larkhall area.
“There was massive turn out but things turned ugly soon after.”
Another said: “Things erupted very quickly and it was soon out of control.
“It seems to have been a clash between people who held grudges.
“It was totally inappropriate and disrespectful to behave in this way at a crematorium.
“The police have been here for a while but the services in the crematorium have been able to continue.
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“Other mourners must have wondered what was going on turning up to see a police cordon next to the front door as they get ready to say goodbye to loved ones.”
Daldowie is operated by Glasgow City Council and last night they confirmed an incident had taken place in the car park.
A spokeswoman said: “We can confirm an incident took place in the car park at Daldowie Crematorium and are helping police with their enquiries.
“Arrangements are in place to ensure services continue and with minimum disruption.”
Detective Inspector David Stewart from Shettleston CID said: “Enquiries are at an early stage to
establish the exact circumstances surrounding this incident.”
establish the exact circumstances surrounding this incident.”
SAM HARDIE
Dimples McPhee was also involved in another family occasion marred by violence – after her aunt, Philomena Doherty, slashed her and her mother across the face a day before her wedding to John Connor.
A year later, 31-year-old Doherty was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison.
Speaking at the time, McPhee said: “She ruined my life, leaving my mum and I with these scars – she deserved more than she got.”
Anyone with information about the latest incident is asked to contact officers at Shettleston CID via 101.
Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.
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