Masked bikers 'ride amok' in Halloween Ride Out

One of the bikers suffered serious chest injuries in a collision with a car in Solihull

A gang of up to 200 bikers "rode amok" on public roads in Birmingham and Solihull, police have said.

The riders, many wearing face coverings, sped along roads, jumped red lights, weaved through traffic and "pulled dangerous street stunts".

A police van was attacked, there were reports fireworks were hurled at motorists and one biker suffered chest injuries in a crash with a car.

At least seven people were arrested and 10 motorcycles seized.

Read more news for Birmingham and the Black Country

West Midlands Police said the injured biker was hurt in a collision in Solihull and was believed to have been riding without lights or registration plates.

It also said a group of bikers also stopped a fire engine from responding to an emergency call and that, at one stage, a group of up to 100 masked bikers surrounded the police van in Yorkminster Drive, Chelmsley Wood, kicking at the wing mirrors and trying to smash its windows.

They sped off when police back-up arrived.

Ten motorcycles were seized

Ch Insp Jack Hadley described the bike gathering, known as a Halloween Ride Out, as dangerous and criminal.

He said: "This wasn't a rally of bike enthusiasts…this was loutish, criminal behaviour.

"Bikers were riding without lights, at speed, dangerously, pulling wheelies in the street, and mounting pavements.

"It is very difficult to plan for outbursts like this: it's not a conventional, planned event and we saw small groups of bikers speeding off in all directions."

Scramblers, mini-motos and mopeds were among bikes seized by police. Early enquiries suggested at least three of the bikes had been reported stolen.

Five men and two male youths were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, causing a public nuisance and motoring offences.