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Motorway shut after biker murder | Motorway shut after biker murder |
(about 3 hours later) | |
A section of the M40 remains closed as police carry out searches where a motorcyclist was shot dead. | A section of the M40 remains closed as police carry out searches where a motorcyclist was shot dead. |
The murder victim, aged in his 30s, died on the southbound carriageway near Leamington Spa in Warwickshire. | The murder victim, aged in his 30s, died on the southbound carriageway near Leamington Spa in Warwickshire. |
Biker gangs are a "strong line of inquiry" said police, who also want to trace the occupants of a green Rover 620 seen nearby when the man was shot. | Biker gangs are a "strong line of inquiry" said police, who also want to trace the occupants of a green Rover 620 seen nearby when the man was shot. |
The motorway is closed between junctions 10 and 14 northbound and between junctions 14 and 12 southbound. | The motorway is closed between junctions 10 and 14 northbound and between junctions 14 and 12 southbound. |
Motorists have been advised to avoid the area during the morning and use public transport or other motorway routes. | Motorists have been advised to avoid the area during the morning and use public transport or other motorway routes. |
Witnesses saw car | Witnesses saw car |
The man, who died between junctions 13 and 12, is thought to have attended the Bulldog Bash, billed as Europe's top biker party, held at Long Marston airfield near Stratford. | The man, who died between junctions 13 and 12, is thought to have attended the Bulldog Bash, billed as Europe's top biker party, held at Long Marston airfield near Stratford. |
A post-mortem examination is to be carried out on the man's body later on Monday. | A post-mortem examination is to be carried out on the man's body later on Monday. |
Police have said they do not believe it was a road rage attack. | Police have said they do not believe it was a road rage attack. |
The shooting bears similarities with a similar incident in 2001 when a Canadian man, who had spent the weekend at the Bulldog Bash, was shot in the leg as he rode his motorbike down the M40 towards London. | The shooting bears similarities with a similar incident in 2001 when a Canadian man, who had spent the weekend at the Bulldog Bash, was shot in the leg as he rode his motorbike down the M40 towards London. |
About 400 vehicles were trapped at the crime scene (pic Ben East) | About 400 vehicles were trapped at the crime scene (pic Ben East) |
Det Supt Ken Lawrence, of Warwickshire Police, said officers wanted to speak to people travelling in the Rover 620 who may have been linked to Sunday's shooting. | |
"One or two witness accounts have mentioned this car being close to the motorcycles at the time something clearly happened," he said. | |
"It is for that reason I want to trace that car and speak to the occupants." | |
He said detectives were not aware of any disputes at the Bulldog Bash which could be linked to the shooting. | |
He added: "If there were any we are anxious to find out what they were and what they were about." | |
The incident caused 10-mile tailbacks in both directions with about 400 cars caught within the crime scene. They were all allowed off the motorway by Sunday night. | The incident caused 10-mile tailbacks in both directions with about 400 cars caught within the crime scene. They were all allowed off the motorway by Sunday night. |
Det Supt Lawrence said the southbound carriageway would probably remain closed until late on Monday morning and possibly until lunchtime. | Det Supt Lawrence said the southbound carriageway would probably remain closed until late on Monday morning and possibly until lunchtime. |
Paul Roberts, from Worthing, was driving along the M40 when the incident happened. | Paul Roberts, from Worthing, was driving along the M40 when the incident happened. |
He said: "Suddenly we had to stop... soon other motorists were out of their cars and on the carriageway. | He said: "Suddenly we had to stop... soon other motorists were out of their cars and on the carriageway. |
"One lady in a BMW took a first aid kit to the man who was lying on his front just next to the central reservation." | |
Police are appealing for any motorists travelling on the M40 who may have witnessed the incident to contact them. | Police are appealing for any motorists travelling on the M40 who may have witnessed the incident to contact them. |
Are you involved in biker gangs? What are your experiences of them? Send us your comments using the form below. | |
You can send pictures and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial 61124. | You can send pictures and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial 61124. |
Do not endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. | Do not endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. |
Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video | Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video |
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