More than 30 arrests have been made as thousands of Hells Angels bikers commemorate the club's 50th anniversary in the UK.

The Hells Angels Euro Run is a three-day event which included a private celebration at a hotel in East Surrey and culminates today with a mass "ride out" from Pease Pottage, near Crawley, to Brighton.

More than 3,000 bikers from around the world are expected to take part in the celebration to mark the landmark anniversary of the first branch of the California-based motorcycle club being set up in the UK.

Earlier this week, officers were granted powers to stop and search people within a designated area across Surrey and Sussex to tackle any anti-social behaviour.

Surrey and Sussex police forces said a total of 34 people had been detained on suspicion of drugs offences and possession of offensive weapons.


Twelve people - five Germans, three Hungarians, one Swiss, one French, one Czech and one Greek man - have been charged.

Seven of the accused appeared in court on Friday and were given suspended prison sentences, while a further five are due in court later today.

Three others remain in custody and the rest were either cautioned or released without charge.

Image: 3,000 bikers from around the world are expected to take part in the celebration. File pic

Surrey Police Assistant Chief Constable Nev Kemp said: "We have been very clear with those attending the Hells Angels event, many from overseas, that we will not tolerate criminal and anti-social behaviour.

"This weekend, especially Saturday, sees one of the busiest for both forces in the last 12 months and we continue to work hard to keep our residents and those visiting safe.

"Officers will be out in high numbers so expect to see us on patrol responding and responding quickly to any incidents.

"We have well-prepared plans in place with officers from both forces, plus mutual aid support on hand."

The first Hells Angels Motorcycle Club was founded in the Fontana/San Bernardino area of California in March 1948.

The club started to develop overseas from 1961, when a branch was set up in Auckland, New Zealand. Since then, it has grown worldwide.

The club got its name through Arvid Olsen, a former squadron leader of the 3rd pursuit Squadron "Hells Angels" American Volunteer Group, according to the HAMC website.

He was not a member of the club but knew its founder and suggested he name it Hells Angels.