Operation Alpha: Police investigate Pooraka murder

Acting Commissioner Grant Stevens spoke to the media in response to yesterday's murder at Pooraka. SA Police have established a dedicated Operation to focus on outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) believed to be responsible for the killing.

Named Alpha, the Operation brings together a team of 30 detectives from Major Crime and Crime Gangs Task Force (CGTF).

Major Crime detectives will investigate the murder and events leading up to it, while CGTF members will target OMCG members to disrupt illegal activities.

Deptuy Commissioner Grant Stevens the opertaion would build on the work already done by the South Australia Police to disrupt the activities of OMCGs.

"We will step in and take every possible opportunity to intervene when they break the law."

Police would continue to disrupt the illegal activities of OMCGs to ensure the safety of the public, he said.

Police can confirm that a 33-year-old man was killed in yesterday's shooting. Contrary to media reports, police do not believe the killing was an "execution".

The shooting at 1.40pm, at 'Unique Custom Paint and Panel', Langford Street Pooraka, has been declared a Major Crime.

Investigations so far reveal that a group of men walked into the business armed with guns and fired a number of shots. These men are believed to have fled in two vehicles, a white Nissan hatchback and a white Mazda sedan.

It is believed the victim and business premises have links to the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.

Detectives are currently attempting to establish any links between a Mazda sedan found burnt out on Quigley Road, Kangarilla last night and the shooting at Pooraka. This car has been seized for forensic testing.

Mr Stevens said the police were "agressively pursuing leads" in the investigation.

It is widely known that the Finks and Hells Angels have been involved in a long-running feud, which Mr Stevens described as "petty".

There have been a number of events in the last week between the two gangs which has seen a rapid escalation in violence.

Police are investigating these incidents including a disturbance at Findon last Saturday night at a kickboxing event, a suspicious house fire at Parafield Gardens on Tuesday evening and a disturbance yesterday afternoon at the 'Lord of Ink Tattoo Studio' at Diment Road, Salisbury North. In this last incident a group of men extensively damaged the shop's interior.

All these events are being considered as part of the murder investigation, including whether the men responsible for the tattoo shop damage are the same who fired the shots at Pooraka.

Police are asking anyone who has any information about any of these incidents to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au. (Remember that information can be provided anonymously).