MORE than 200 bikers wreaked havok on the borough’s roads – surrounding emergency vehicles and reportedly throwing fireworks at other motorists – as they took part in a Halloween Ride Out.
The gang of ‘louts’, many wearing face coverings, caused chaos as they sped along major roads, jumped red lights, weaved between traffic and pulled dangerous street stunts on Monday night (October 31).
Police arrested seven people and seized ten bikes including scramblers, mini moto’s and quad bikes after having their tyres deflated by police ‘stingers’.
Early enquiries suggest that at least three of the bikes had been reported stolen.
Five men and two male youths were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, causing a public nuisance and motoring offences.
Describing the biker gathering as ‘dangerous and criminal’, West Midlands Police Chief Inspector Jack Hadley said: “This wasn’t a rally of bike enthusiasts – this was loutish, criminal behaviour.
“Bikers were riding without lights, at speed, dangerously, pulling wheelies in the street, mounting pavements and damaging vehicles.
Be careful if you encounter this tonight! 100’s of bikes and quads about! pic.twitter.com/0RKP3BatJL
— Kings Norton Fire (@KingsNortonFire) October 31, 2016
“Areas across Solihull, central and south Birmingham were affected with road users and pedestrians put at risk and a nuisance caused in residential areas.”
Police received a call from fire service colleagues reporting a group of bikers stopping a fire truck from responding to an emergency call.
In Chemlsley Wood a police van was also surrounded by 100 masked bikers who kicked at the wing mirrors and tried to smash its windows before speeding off when police back-up arrived.
One of the bikers – believed to have been riding without lights or registration plates – suffered serious chest injuries following a collision with a car in Solihull.
He was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where his condition has improved.
“This kind of ‘event’ is outrageous and totally unacceptable and I sympathise with any members of the public that were inconvenienced by the bikers,” Ch Insp Hadley added.
“It is very difficult to plan for outbursts like this: it’s not a conventional, planned event and we saw small groups of bikers speeding off in all directions.
Bikes seized in the police operation. s
“We will be gathering evidence from the event and where there are opportunities we will not hesitate to respond with more arrests and bike seizures.”
If you suspect anyone using a bike illegally, or has a stolen bike, contact West Midlands Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
