Australia - More shots fired in bikie war...

OFF THE WIRE
LUKE ELIOT and
JAYNE RICKARD,
The West Australian


Peace talks between members of the Rebels and Rock Machine bikie gangs broke down and were followed by the attempted murder of Rebels WA president Nick Martin, police revealed yesterday.
Speaking in response to an early morning shooting yesterday at a Rock Machine member's Thornlie home, Det-Supt Charlie Carver said police were aware of an attempt by the gangs to resolve the continuing tensions.
But shortly after that attempt failed, a Rock Machine member allegedly tried to shoot Mr Martin as he pulled into the driveway of his Balcatta home, on Attra Street on March 18.
Mr Martin was wounded in one of his arms and the fuel tank of his Harley Davidson was dented by a bullet.
"From what we have been told there has been an approach made for a resolution or peace, (but) it was a no go," Det-Supt Carver said.
Police have charged a man over the March 18 shooting.
Yesterday's shooting was the third consecutive day of violence between gang members.
On Sunday, Rebels and Rock Machine bikies were issued move-on notices after a violent exchange at a Joondalup music festival.
On Monday, they were involved in a dispute at a Kingsway shopping centre.
Yesterday morning's shooting happened at a Marden Road home which was searched recently during co-ordinated raids against gang members in response to the shooting of Mr Martin.
Police say four shotgun rounds were fired at the home, damaging a Ford Falcon and the front of the property. There was nobody in the home at the time.
Marden Road resident Sharon Buckley said she and husband Geoffrey heard loud bangs in their street before a car screeched away soon after 3am.
"I heard at least five shots go off," Mrs Buckley said. "My son's got the front bedroom so it is quite scary when you hear these shots and you sort of end up in a bit of a panic.
"We just made sure the house was locked up and stayed in until we had to take the kids to school this morning."
Det-Supt Carver urged anyone with footage of incidents between the gangs to contact police who may be able to charge the bikies with disorderly conduct offences.
"We're not going to tolerate this, members of the community should not tolerate this either," he said.