ON YER BIKE
Who are the Hells Angels, what is the Euro Run and what happened in Brighton?
MORE than 30 people have been arrested as Hells Angels bikers gathered to mark the club’s 50th anniversary.
Arrests were made on suspicion of drugs offences and possession of offensive weapons.
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Who are the Hells Angels?
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club is a worldwide organisation and its members typically ride Harley-Davidson bikes.
The club was founded in the Fontana/San Bernardino area of California in March 1948.
The name was suggested by Arvid Olsen a former squadron leader of the 3rd pursuit Squadron "Hells Angels" American Volunteer Group, according to the HAMC website.
To become a member a prospective candidate must have a valid drivers’ licence, a motorcycle over 750cc and the right “personal qualities”.
Then any prospective member has to go through a lengthy process which has various stages, moving from a “hang-around” to an “associate” then a “prospect” and then “full membership”.
What is the Euro Run?
The Hells Angels Euro Run is a three-day event which included a private party at a hotel in East Surrey and finishes today with a mass “ride out” from Pease Cottage, nearly Crawley, to Brighton.
More than 3,000 bikers from around the world are expected to take part in the celebration that marks the 50th anniversary of the UK branch of the California-based bikers club being established.
The “ride out” starts at 1pm and is due to finish at 4.30pm.
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What happened in Brighton?
Cops in Surrey and Sussex had been granted powers to stop and search people within a designated area in a bid to stop anti-social behaviour.
Twelve people - five Germans, three Hungarians, one Swiss, one French, one Czech and one Greek man - have been charged.
Seven people appeared in court on May 31 and were given suspended prison sentences.
A further five people are due in court on June 1.
Three others are still in custody and the others were either cautioned or released without charge.
Assistant Chief Constable of Surrey Police Nev Kemp said: "We have been very clear with those attending the Hells Angels event, many from overseas, that we will not tolerate criminal and anti-social behaviour.
"Our activity over the last few days has been about keeping people safe, which is why I put the Section 60 order in place.
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"The fact that we have had seven people go through the courts and be sentenced so far, as well as the numerous arrests, has justified our actions.
"This weekend, especially Saturday, sees one of the busiest for both forces in the last 12 months and we continue to work hard to keep our residents and those visiting safe.
"Officers will be out in high numbers so expect to see us on patrol responding and responding quickly to any incidents."
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