Biker event 'Europe's biggest'

The event attracts thousands of bikers each year

The shooting of a motorcyclist on the M40, which is being treated as murder, happened 20 miles from the site of the Bulldog Bash, a festival for bikers.

It is billed as Europe's number one biker party, and has grown from a tiny gathering 20 years ago to an event which attracts about 30,000 visitors.

The festival, which is held at Long Marston airfield near Stratford-on-Avon in Warwickshire, was expected to break attendance records in 2007.

One of the highlights of the event is the "Run-What-You-Brung".

Stunt riders

This is an open form of DIY drag racing, where bikers pit their skills against each other and ride as fast as they dare over a quarter mile drag-strip.

Spectators can watch as top stunt professionals amaze onlookers with formation wheelies.

The Bulldog Bash also attracts a variety of customised cars, bikes and stunt riders.

Some of the best bike builders in Europe display their machinery, with prizes on offer in several categories.

Status Quo

There is also musical entertainment at the four-day event, with a dance tent and live bands.

The headline act over the weekend was the veteran rock group Status Quo.

Other attractions include a fairground and a topless bike wash.

On an internet forum on the festival's website, many people who attended said what an enjoyable event it had been, and expressed their shock at Sunday's shooting.