Australian biker gangs wage violent turf war

The last mass defection among Australia's motorcycle gangs led to the "Father's Day" massacre in Sydney 1984 when a group of Commancheros formed the first Bandidos chapter in Australia. Six bikers and a 15-year-old girl died in the gun battle.

Strike Force Ranmore chief, police superintendent Scott Whyte, said biker gang attacks were becoming more violent.

He said Australia's multi-cultural population meant the traditional Anglo-Saxon make-up of biker gangs was changing and different ethnic groups were starting to take over and bring a more violent attitude to the gangs. He also said new members were coming from Australia's organized crime families.

Police rejected local media reports they would act as mediators between rival Sydney gangs to negotiate a peace deal.

"We are here to enforce the law and will not, under any circumstances, be sitting down to negotiate or broker deals between warring OMCGs," said Whyte.