Four men were in police custody last night after two serious assaults in the north-east involving 30 members of the Blue Angels “outlaw” biker gang.
The first incident happened at the BP petrol station in King Street, Aberdeen, when two bikers stopped to refuel one of their machines about 6pm on Saturday.
The second happened a short time later almost 10 miles away at Foveran, in Aberdeenshire, after a chase involving a 4×4 vehicle and as many as 30 motorcycles.
Police, who had mounted a massive operation, confirmed last night that four men from the Aberdeen area were in custody over the incidents.
Chief Inspector Andrew Todd said a group of motorcyclists who were known to each other were involved in both incidents.
The bikers were members of the notorious Blue Angels Motorcycle Club, which was formed in Glasgow in the 1960s, and were visiting the north-east.
The first altercation happened when one of the two bikers who had stopped at the King Street petrol station went inside to pay for fuel and the 4×4 pulled into the forecourt.
The occupants of the car allegedly jumped out of the vehicle and attacked the motorcyclist who had remained outside.
Thomas Ogonu, an attendant at the petrol station, was not working at the time but was briefed about the incident.
“My colleague told me that two motorcyclists drove into the forecourt to pump number one, but only one of them refuelled,” he said. “When he came inside to pay, a car pulled up and some men jumped out and began to beat up the other biker.
“My colleague called the police but the men had driven off in the car before they arrived.
“The biker who was not hurt called the rest of their group and they chased the car along the road.”
The incident at Foveran is understood to have involved the entire group of motorcyclists, who surrounded the 4×4 on an area of grass off the A90 Aberdeen-Ellon road.
Mr Todd said: “These appear to be two linked incidents which exclusively involved a group of motorcyclists who are all known to each other.
“We are working to establish the facts surrounding these incidents and wish to reassure the public that incidents such as these are uncommon in the north-east of Scotland.”
The Blue Angels met police off the A90 near Balmedie yesterday lunchtime and were escorted towards the central belt.
A police van, 13 police cars and several unmarked cars could be seen parked next to about 30 motorbikes on Old Aberdeen Road about 12.30pm.
A police spokesman said: “Inquiries are still ongoing and, although a number of potential witnesses have been in touch, we are appealing for anyone who has any information to contact police.
“There are four males from the Aberdeen area aged 47, 50, 51 and 53 in custody in relation to this incident and a report is being sent to the procurator fiscal.
“Two people sustained non-serious injuries as a result of these incidents.”
An ambulance spokeswoman said crews had not been required.