A VIOLENT clash between two rival outlaw motorcycle gangs is not the start of a bikie war in Perth, according to police.
Three members of the Finks gang required surgery after suffering serious injuries in a clash with rival gang the Coffin Cheaters at a street drag racing event in Kwinana, in Perth's south.
The clash happened about 1.30pm WST (4:30pm AEDT) on Sunday with one man suffering a gunshot wound to the leg while another man had three fingers severed with a knife.
They were taken immediately to hospital for surgery but police did not arrive at the scene until after 2pm after receiving an anonymous phone call.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jeff Christmass defended the organisers of the event, telling reporters today that it was possible that not many people were aware of the clash because it happened to the side of the main event area.
He also said it was normal to have a "slight lag" between an incident occurring and police arriving at the scene.
Det Snr Sgt Christmass said police had had no indication that any outlaw motorcycle gang members were going to attend the popular family event.
"I can assure you that if we did know we would have been there and had the appropriate response," he said.
A feud between the two gangs was sparked in January 2008 after the Coffin Cheaters expelled high-profile member Troy Mercanti who then helped the Finks set up a WA chapter.
Mercanti is currently in jail for assault.
Det Snr Sgt Christmass said police were monitoring ongoing tension between the two clubs.
"Mr Mercanti, we know, is a member of the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang and we are monitoring his movements and we will be keeping a close eye on that situation," he said.
Det Snr Sgt Christmass said police would put as many resources as possible into dealing with the matter and any subsequent fallout from the clash.
"There is no indication that this is the start of a war," he said.
Det Snr Sgt Christmass said details were still "fairly sketchy" and it was difficult to get information from the injured men or any other outlaw motorcycle gang member.
"They are very reluctant to talk to anybody, especially police," he said.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
No comments:
Post a Comment