BIKERS have spoken of their shock after a motorcyclist was gunned down as he made his way home from a bike show.

The murder victim, a man in his 30s, was shot and killed when he was riding his bike on the M40 near Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

It is believed the man had been at the nearby Bulldog Bash, attended by bikers from East Lancashire and billed as one of Europe's biggest biking events, prior to the shooting.

Police said they were investigating whether a dispute between two rival biker gangs was behind the killing.

However, East Lancashire's biking fraternity said although rivalry did exist between clubs it was good humoured.

Robert Wolfenden, rally secretary of Accrington Motorcycle Club said: "It is upsetting someone has been shot.

"No-one will know why it happened until the police found out who did it and then maybe we will never know.

"It is shocking and horrible something like this has happened."

Dave Bradbury, chairman of Whitworth Warriors Motorcycle Club added: "The Bulldog is one of the major events and is normally packed.

"It is one of these things where people like to be seen.

"It has just got bigger and bigger and attracts a whole mix.

"There is a bit of rivalry between clubs but is good humoured.

"Things like that do not happen in the biking fraternity.

"If you go to a show you could leave your wallet on the side and it would still be there at the end or someone would have handed it in.

"I am shocked about it. You do not expect to hear someone has been shot.

"I would like to say it is not a biker but you cannot guarantee it."

Police are wanting to trace the occupants of a green Rover 620 seen nearby when the shooting happened on Sunday.

A section of the motorway remained closed yesterday and motorists were advised to find an alternative route or use public transport.

In 2001 a Canadian man was shot in the leg when he was riding on the M40 after visiting the Bulldog Bash.