Motorists have been arrested after an alleged fight broke out following a crash on a Moray road.
Several motorbikes and at least one car were involved in the incident on the A98 Buckie to Banff road in Cullen on Saturday.
A fleet of emergency services descended on the scene after violence broke out in the immediate aftermath of the collision at about 4.30pm.
Blood could be seen pouring from some motorists while others wore slings. Witnesses claimed seeing weapons resembling iron bars used in the skirmish.
Police have confirmed three people have been arrested following the “concerning” incident on the western approach to the town – and believe the total could yet rise further.
Officers described it as a “disturbance” involving a “number of people” being assaulted.
Yesterday officers remained at the scene to comb the ground for evidence in an attempt to find out whether more people were involved.
None of the injuries sustained as a result of the crash or the aftermath were life-threatening but one person was taken from the scene by helicopter for medical attention.
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An urgent appeal has now been launched for witnesses.
Inspector Neil Campbell said: “This was an isolated albeit concerning incident given the time and location it occurred, as well as the number of people and vehicle involved.
“This type of behaviour – which is certainly not common for the area – will not be tolerated.
“Inquiries are still ongoing to identify all those involved and I’m looking to hear from anyone who was travelling along the A98 between Banff and Buckie at the time.”
Officers are appealing for dashcam footage of the crash or for anyone who witnessed the incident to get in touch to help them with their investigations.
The A98 remained closed for about 24 hours following the crash while police gathered evidence.
The weekend’s crash came amidst warnings that September has been the most dangerous month of the year for motorcyclists being involved in collisons on the road for the last decade.
Across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray there were a total of 167 incidents involving bikers during the month across the 10 years – in comparison December had only 34 and January 33.
Motorcylist Stuart Smith, from Buckie, died this month while driving on the A98 near Fochabers.
Ewan Wallace, chairman of Road Safety North East Scotland, said: “Statistics show we can anticipate September leading to higher numbers of motorcycle collisions and casualties on north east roads.
“Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable road users and even a relatively minor motorcycle collision can result in significant injuries.”
Anyone with information about Saturday’s incident at Cullen should contact police by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
