Bulldog Bash organiser angry at chief constable after 'safe' festival

The organiser of Bulldog Bash, an event Warwickshire police feared would be beset by gang tension, has claimed that the success of the festival was not due to the police presence.

Bulldog organiser angry at chief constable after "safe" festival
Bulldog organiser angry at chief constable after "safe" festival

The event organiser, John 'Bilbo' Britt has slammed Warwickshire Police's claim that the festival's relative peacefulness was down to them.

Some 23,000 revellers, reportedly 8,000 above estimates, turned up to the event that featured legendary rockers Motorhead.

"Once again the police have wasted a huge amount of taxpayers' money on a totally unnecessary and unwanted operation that led to just 11 arrests," said Britt.

"Bill Holland, assistant chief constable for Warwickshire Poiice, said he wanted to protect the locals, yet we have had more locals than ever. They turned out in their thousands, despite claims that members of the public faced a serious risk of violence."

Warwickshire Police said tensions between rival motorcycle gangs threatened to disrupt the festival following the murder of Hell's Angel Gerry Tobin, who was killed when travelling back from the same event in 2007.

The event also took place last year without any notable incidents, leading the organiser to criticise the "over-the-top" police presence.

A statement by Police Authority chair Ian Francis praised the force's efforts and value to the taxpayer, adding that "while the conduct of any individual operation is entirely a matter for the Chief Constable, the authority has been briefed and is satisfied that this year's operation for Bulldog Bash was necessary and proportionate".

"We also welcome the fact that the force is continuing to make strident efforts to reassure motorcyclists generally that they are welcome in Warwickshire, and to distinguish between law-abiding members of the motorcycling community and those involved in criminality who happen to ride motorbikes."

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