Bikies shot and stabbed in gang clash

A violent clash between two rival outlaw motorcycle gangs is not the start of a
bikie war in Perth, according to police.
Three members of the Finks gang required surgery after suffering serious injuries in
a clash with rival gang the Coffin Cheaters at a street drag racing event in
Kwinana, in Perth's south.
The clash happened about 1.30pm (WST) on Sunday with one man suffering a gunshot
wound to the leg while another man had three fingers severed with a knife.
They were taken to hospital for surgery but police did not arrive at the scene until
over half an hour later after receiving an anonymous phone call.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jeff Christmass defended the organisers of the event,
telling reporters on Monday that it was possible that not many people were aware of
the clash because it happened to the side of the main event area.
He also said it was normal to have a "slight lag" between an incident occurring and
police arriving at the scene.
Det Snr Sgt Christmass said police had had no indication that any outlaw motorcycle
gang members were going to attend the popular family event.
"I can assure you that if we did know we would have been there and had the
appropriate response," he said.
A feud between the two gangs was sparked in January 2008 after the Coffin Cheaters
expelled high-profile member Troy Mercanti who then helped the Finks set up a WA
chapter.
Mercanti is currently in jail for assault.
Det Snr Sgt Christmass said police were monitoring ongoing tension between the two
clubs.
"Mr Mercanti, we know, is a member of the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang and we are
monitoring his movements and we will be keeping a close eye on that situation," he
said.
Det Snr Sgt Christmass said police would put as many resources as possible into
dealing with the matter and any subsequent fallout from the clash.
"There is no indication that this is the start of a war," he said.
Premier Colin Barnett told reporters on Monday that any sense of a war between bikie
groups was something that WA did not need.
"It would seem to me there is some competition for territory, territory for illegal
activities," he said.
The Premier said there were plans to introduce new legislation for the Corruption
and Crime Commission to have additional powers to act on organised crime.
He said he expected it to go through parliament before Christmas.
Det Snr Sgt Christmass said details about the clash were still "fairly sketchy" and
it was difficult to get information from the injured men or any other outlaw
motorcycle gang member.
"They are very reluctant to talk to anybody, especially police," he said.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.