Stinger tactics used by police to stop biker ‘ride out’ reaching central London

Police have stopped large crowds of bikers taking part in a ‘ride out’ from getting to central London and have arrested four of them.

A joint Met Police operation with neighbouring forces swung into action across east London and Essex to restrict yesterday’s ‘ride out’ when motorbike groups riding en mass were alleged to be driven “recklessly, on the wrong side of the roads and across major roads”.

They were also blamed for criminal acts including smashing a police car windscreen at Romford police station where a large group gathered. Riders were also said to be letting off fire extinguishers aimed at passers-by.

“We saw the same levels of anti-social behaviour we’ve witnessed over the past few years,” Supt Tania Coulson said.

“The group was targeted in areas which minimised public risk. The police plan meant they could not enter central London.”

Police used tactics including stingers to make the four arrests, which included a disqualified driver, two for dangerous driving and one for possessing drugs. Three motorbikes were also seized by police.