Three people arrested after huge ride-out at Coventry funeral
Three people have been arrested after the funeral of Luke Cleary - a teenager who died in a collision last month - turned into an illegal ride-out.
Last updated 16th Sep 2022
Hundreds of bikers turned up in Coventry yesterday following the funeral of teenager, Luke Cleary, who died in a road traffic collision last month.
They drove around the city's busy roads, across footpaths, and over parkland for over an hour, causing frustration to local residents and motorists.
Police took bikers off the road with stingers and three people were arrested. Suspected stolen bikes were also seized.
They did this despite warnings from West Midlands Police who had urged people to be respectful prior to the funeral. They were concerned about public safety following a vigil that was held last month for Mr Cleary, at which fireworks were thrown in the street and officers were attacked.
13 people were arrested afterwards, with two people being charged in connection with the disorder. Stolen bikes were also recovered.
To help guard yesterday's funeral and protect the public, police used drones to monitor the situation and gather evidence on those involved.
In a post on Twitter, Coventry Police said: "Our focus now shifts to a thorough investigation to identify those involved in crime.
"Over the next few weeks, those involved risk being arrested, charged and potentially jailed."
Chief Superintendent Pete Henrick, from Coventry Police, said: “The policing operation for yesterday’s events was extensive and we were able to deploy local officers, teams from force support, traffic, drones as well as the National Police Air Service.
“We would like to thank local people for their support and we ask them to be patient while our investigation progresses; we aim to update them as soon as we can.
“If anyone has any information, you can pass this on to local officers via live chat or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”