A FURTHER 24 arrests made yesterday have been linked to the Hells Angels Euro Run.

The arrests were made for carrying offensive weapons and drugs, bringing the total number of arrests made in connection with the event to 34.

Of these, 12 people have been charged including five Germans, three Hungarian, one Swiss, one French, one Czech and one Greek man.

Seven of those arrested appeared in court yesterday and have been given suspended prison sentences, with five more due to appear in court today.

Another three remain in custody, and all others have either been cautioned or released without charge.

Assistant chief constable Nev Kemp, who is leading policing operations across both counties this week, 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."

On Wednesday night Sussex and Surrey police introduced an order under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, allowing them to stop and search anybody within designated areas of the two counties.

This order was later extended to apply until 4am this morning.

ACC Kemp said: "Our activity over the last few days has been about keeping people safe, which is why I put the Section 60 order in place.

“The fact that we have had seven people go through the courts and be sentenced so far, as well as the numerous arrests, has justified our actions and use of Section 60 this week.

"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 arrests come ahead of the California-based Hells Angels Motorcycle Club’s (HAMC) Euro Run, taking place today.

The event will see up to 3,000 of the club’s members take part in a “mass ride” from Pease Pottage, near Crawley, to Brighton seafront between 1pm and 4.30pm.