Australia, Bikie violence explodes at Perth drag race

off the wire
BY: Fran Rimrod and Liam Phillips
Source: watoday.com.au
A violent brawl involving one of Perth's most notorious bikie gangs at a drag race has left three men in hospital with bullet and stab wounds.

The clash erupted at the Perth Motorplex in Kwinana yesterday morning and is believed to involve members of the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang, which is establishing a chapter in WA.
WA Police spokeswoman Ros Weatherall said one man presented himself to Fremantle hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg and head injuries between midday and 1pm, while a second presented to the hospital with head injuries.

A third man presented to Royal Perth Hospital about the same time with multiple stab wounds. All three men underwent surgery overnight.

Detectives from the gang crime squad were last night trying to piece together the events that led up to the violent incident. It is understood police did not attend the brawl at the Motorplex.

The fight took place during the Harley Street Bike drag racing event, which pitted a range of enhanced motorcycles against each other in a competitive drag racing contest.

None of the men are co-operating with authorities and it is not known whether the men who attacked the Finks members were linked to another bikie gang.

However, tensions have been high between members of the Finks and WA's biggest bikie gang, the Coffin Cheaters.

A feud between the gangs was sparked after the Coffin Cheaters in January 2008 expelled high-profile member Troy Mercanti, who then helped the Finks set up a WA chapter.

Mercanti is currently in jail for assault.

Motorcomplex spokesman David Christison said management were aware of one man being injured during the brawl. He received preliminary treatment for lacerations from a qualified first aider but once approached by his colleagues he walked away and left the complex in a private vehicle without seeking further medical treatment.

He said venue operators were unaware of any other people being injured or of any shots being fired.

Police forensic officers have cordoned off the complex and will begin searching for evidence today. CCTV footage, which gives a general overview of the complex but not inside buildings, has already been seized by police.

It has not yet been established whether the brawl occurred inside the complex.

A United Motorcycle Council of Western Australia spokeswoman said a meeting of the clubs scheduled for tonight would still be going ahead.

However the Finks will not be represented at the meeting because they do not have a member on the council.

Finks New South Wales spokesman Ferret refused to comment on last night's incident.