Motorcycle charity run goes smoothly

Published: 8:44PM Saturday March 13, 2010

Source: Newstalk ZB

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Source: ONE News

A gang charity motorcycle event in the Nelson area seems to have gone smoothly.

The local Southern Skinheads gang had threatened to attack Hells Angels members if they turned out for the Poker Run ride from Nelson to Tapawera and back.

The Southern Skinheads reportedly believed the Hells Angels would bring drugs with them, including P. The Skinheads had allegedly threatened to fire shots and burn down bars and clubs.
Nelson Mayor Kerry Marshall said he was confident police were on top of the situation and a police operation was put in place to deal with any possible violence.

A spokesman says the event was under control throughout Saturday afternoon.

Nelson City councillors said there had been no trouble in the centre of Nelson or in nearby Stoke.

Councillor Ian Barker says he saw motorcyclists in Stoke sitting beside their bikes, not causing any problems. He says the event had been planned to raise funds for St John Ambulance.

Barker says the charity refused to accept any money after the threats of violence were made.

Police say there were approximately 130 motorcycles involved in the run and about 35-40 gang patches from both the Hells Angels and the Red Devils.

Police say generally the run was well behaved and there were no complaints or incidents involving motorcyclists on the run. They say there were no arrests or confrontation involving any other gang or groups.

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