Unofficial Southend Shakedown rally attracts hundreds of bikers

Hundreds of motorcyclists gathered in Eastern Esplanade car park in Southend-on-Sea

Hundreds of bikers descended on a seafront for an unofficial Easter Monday rally.

Plans for the meet in Southend-on-Sea came after the city's traditional Shakedown event was cancelled.

Essex Police seized two motorcycles and two quad bikes being ridden anti-socially, but praised most rally-goers for being "law-abiding".

And biker Jared Prentice said most of those who took part "acted respectfully and didn't cause any trouble".

The official Shakedown was axed after volunteer marshalls had faced "threats of violence" during previous events, organisers said on social media.

In previous years, motorcyclists were allowed to park on the seafront

Disappointed the official rally was off, motorcyclists decided to arrange an unauthorised meet-up.

Southend-on-Sea City Council put up barriers and directed riders to Eastern Esplanade car park, where hundreds gathered.

'Fantastic'

Mr Prentice, from Leigh-on-Sea, said some people had travelled a long way to take part.

He said: "The shakedown was fantastic, lots of bikers turning up from all over the place. 99% of people acted in a respectful manner."

However, he criticised the council for not allowing riders to gather on the seafront.

"I would have spend a lot more money down there if we weren't all pushed in to a car park with no toilets or anywhere to buy food and drink," Mr Prentice added.

Police officers seized two quad bikes and two motorcycles during the unofficial event

Alan Richards, of the city council, said the authority had to ensure the seafront was kept open to traffic, and that bikers were safe amid a lack of an "official event or management plan".

Mr Richards said he hoped to work with organisers to secure the return of an official Shakedown in 2025.

Essex Police said two people were arrested on the seafront on suspicion of drug offences and a third person on suspicion of drink-driving.

Ch Insp Richard Baxter said most of the bikers had been "respectful and law-abiding".

He added: "There were a minority who acted anti-socially, including riding along the pavement, and it is only right that we have taken action."

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