Four arrests in motorcyclists’ Halloween “ride out” in Romford

Four men have been arrested this evening, Sunday, October 29, following a large gathering of motorcyclists reported in Havering.

The groups travelling en mass started to drive recklessly, on the wrong side of the roads, across major roads.

Other offences included smashing a police car windscreen at Romford police station where a large group gathered, and reports that riders were letting off fire extinguishers at members of the public.

Officers deployed a range of tactics, including stingers, to make the arrests.

One person was arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified, one was arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs and two were arrested on suspicioun of dangerous driving.

Police officers recovered three motorcycles.

Superintendent Tania Coulson said: “The group of individuals who came out today were intent on causing crime, and we saw the same levels of anti-social behaviour we have witnessed over the past few years. The policing plan, working with our colleagues in neighbouring forces, meant that the group were targeted in areas which minimised the risk to the public, and could not enter central London.”

The incidents are believed to be part of a Halloween “ride out”.

In the past two years, officers have responded to ‘ride out’ events, where large numbers of motorcyclists have gathered in several locations across London to cause disruption and anti-social behaviour including driving recklessly, on the wrong side of the road, through red lights and across pavements; with many riders using stolen motorcycles.

Speaking on Saturday, Supt Coulson had said: “Officers will be out across London throughout the Halloween period and will deploy a number of police tactics to prevent riders from driving dangerously. We intend to prevent disorder and crime caused by riders and we will be dealing robustly with offenders. Any groups or individuals who cause disruption will be arrested.”