The Red Devils have strong links to international criminal organisations and he believes they are trying to get a foothold in the South Island.

Four newly patched Red Devils members appeared in a charity ride last month and Nelson Area Commander Brian McGurk says it is the first time the gang has been seen in New Zealand.Inspector McGurk says anyone who thinks the group is just a social club is totally naive. He says the Red Devils have strong links to international criminal organisations and he believes they are trying to get a foothold in the South Island.McGurk says they are monitoring the group and its associates.And he says he is concerned tensions are building between the newcomers and the already established Lost Breed Motorcycle Club.Nelson's mayor believes police are well equipped to deal with bubbling tensions between the rival motorbike gangs. Kerry Marshall supports any action police deem necessary to discourage the Devils from setting up camp.