Hell's Angels anniversary London to Brighton trip prompts two police forces to cancel all holidays

The Hell's Angels anniversary trip from London to Brighton has prompted two police forces to cancel all of their staff’s easter holidays, as they warn that any crime will not be tolerated.

Up to 3,000 bikers are expected to ride through East Surrey for a three-day event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the infamous California based motorcycle club setting up its first branch in the UK.

The “ride out” of up to 700 motorbikes travelling from the A23 Pease Pottage to Brighton seafront on Saturday June 1 will culminate the celebration which has attracted enthusiasts from around the world (link is external).

But both Surrey Police and Sussex Police have been forced to cancel leave and rest days scheduled across the weekend amid fears of possible anti-social behaviour along the route.

Assistant Chief Constable Nev Kemp, who is leading policing operations for both Surrey and Sussex during the period, has assured local residents that any crime will be dealt with swiftly.

He said: “The 'ride out' planned for the June 1 will see several hundred motorcyclists riding in a large convoy which will cause some traffic disruption on the route down to Brighton and back.
“In the interests of public safety, police outriders will accompany the convoy and temporarily hold traffic at key points to keep them together and try to minimise the overall impact on other road users.
 “Officers from both Surrey Police and Sussex Police have had leave and rest days cancelled and, as well as local teams, we will have additional support from other forces so you can expect to see high numbers of police out on patrol responding quickly to any incidents.”
Both Surrey Police and Sussex Police have been forced to cancel leave and rest days scheduled across the weekend 
Both Surrey Police and Sussex Police have been forced to cancel leave and rest days scheduled across the weekend  Credit: David Jones/PA

The outing will be part of the Hell's Angels ‘Euro Run’ - a celebration of the organisation's history held in different locations across the globe for its members.

This year’s 'festival style' event will be hosted in the UK for the first time in an undisclosed hotel in East Surrey.

Police have advised motorists planning on driving between Gatwick and Brighton on Saturday to take alternative routes in order to avoid major disruption to their journeys.

Mr Kemp added: “We expect the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club celebrations to have an impact on the local road network in parts of East Surrey and West Sussex as large groups of motorcyclists travel to and from the venue.
“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time during this period. Residents and visitors should be in no doubt that any anti-social behaviour or criminal activity will not be tolerated and any reports will be dealt with swiftly.”
 Hells Angels attending the funeral of Great Train robber Ronnie Biggs at Golders Green Crematorium
Hells Angels attending the funeral of Great Train robber Ronnie Biggs at Golders Green Crematorium Credit: Neil Mockford/FilmMagic
 
The Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club, which was founded in San Bernardino in 1948, quickly gained a fearsome reputation as an outlaw group known to sell drugs and traffic stolen goods. After establishing a contingent in London in July 1969 for bike enthusiasts , the club spread to various other cities in the UK (link is external)such as Sheffield and Manchester in the following years.


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