Bulldog Bash ban bid threatened

Police want the council to refuse a licence to the annual event

Warwickshire Police's efforts to ban a controversial biker gathering could be scuppered by legal delays.

They want Stratford-on-Avon Council to refuse a licence to the Bulldog Bash at Long Marston Airfield, claiming it has links to organised crime.

It follows the shooting of Hells Angel Gerry Tobin by members of the rival Outlaws biker gang after 2007's event.

The council has said the hearing cannot be dealt with before 10 August while the event is due to finish on 9 August.

A spokeswoman said its barrister would not be available for a hearing until 21 July and, if the licence was rejected, the Bulldog Bash organisers would have 21 days in which to appeal.

Shot dead

A previous police application to review the licence was declined by the council.

The force has said an escalation in violence between the Outlaws and Hells Angels means innocent people could be put at risk.

We have no issue with motorcyclists, the vast majority of whom are law abiding citizens, but we do have issues with those who we believe are involved in organised crime Assistant Chief Constable Bill Holland

Seven bikers were jailed in June for their parts in rioting between two rival gangs at Birmingham Airport.

Before that, Hells Angel Gerry Tobin was shot dead on the nearby M40 in Warwickshire after leaving the Bulldog Bash in 2007.

The organisers of the annual event have always denied the police force's claims, saying there is "absolutely no evidence" of any threat of serious harm to the public.

Assistant Chief Constable Bill Holland said despite the setback the force woudl "continue to explore all possible opportunities to prevent Bulldog Bash taking place this year and in the future".

He added: "Warwickshire Police will do all within its power to protect communities from harm, including limiting opportunities for organised crime groups to fundraise within the county.

"We have no issue with motorcyclists, the vast majority of whom are law abiding citizens, but we do have issues with those who we believe are involved in organised crime."