Police want biker festival appeal

Mr Tobin was killed on his way home from the biker festival

A police force is seeking legal advice after its plea to a council not to grant a licence for a biker festival was ignored.

Warwickshire Police had urged Stratford-on-Avon Council to refuse a licence to the Bulldog Bash, saying they feared reprisals could take place.

Gerry Tobin, 35, of south-east London, was shot on the M40 after last August's event. Seven men deny his murder.

On Thursday, the council gave permission for the event to go ahead.

In a statement the force said: "Warwickshire Police will be seeking legal advice with a view to considering an appeal against Stratford District Council's decision to grant a licence for Bulldog Bash.

"Warwickshire Police originally lodged an objection to a licence being granted because the force firmly believes that public safety could be compromised by this event."

Speaking after granting the licence, Councillor Gillian Roache, chairwoman of the licensing committee, said: "What goes on miles away from the premises is not the responsibility of people running operations on the site."

The council said extra security would be put in place.