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Saturday, August 8, 1998 Published at 11:51 GMT 12:51 UK


UK

Biker rally marred by crash

Up to 20,000 Hell's Angels are expected at the event

Police are urging bikers heading for a major motorcycle rally to slow down after a man died in a multiple pile-up.

Lawrence Duncan Taylor, 23, of Alloa, Scotland, died in hospital after an accident two miles from the site of the Bulldog Bash at Long Marston, Warwickshire, on the B4632.

The crash involved a car, a van and four motorbikes, although no one else is thought to be seriously injured.

Authorities had been concerned that the event would be hit by gang violence.

Dangerous manoeuvres

But with little trouble reported they have turned their attention to the standard of driving around the site following the fatal crash.

A police spokesman said: "Warwickshire Police are very concerned about the standard of driving and riding on the busy roads around the Bulldog Bash site.

"We are urging motorists to slow down and take particular care on the bendy sections of the road where some dangerous overtaking manoeuvres have been witnessed by officers."

The four-day event, organised by the Hell's Angels, began on Thursday and is expected to attract up to 20,000 visitors over the weekend.

Police called for cancellation

Warwickshire Police had appealed for the event to be cancelled after fears of fighting among rival gangs.

A spokesman said: "Whilst it is recognised the event has been held for 11 years safely and without trouble, the police continue to have serious concerns."

The spokesman said officers had received information confirming a continuing feud between gangs, involving violence and the possible use of explosives.

Police said intelligence suggested that a feud between the Hell's Angels and a group known as the Outcasts, which has led to incidents of murder in the past, could resurface.

The 1997 Rocker's Reunion in Battersea, south London, was marred by the death of two Outcasts.





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