Rock Machine bikie had been bashed by other members of the gang for removing a club tattoo,

Rock Machine bikie had been bashed by other members of the gang for removing a club tattoo, Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan said yesterday.

The assault occurred about 4pm on Sunday in the southern Perth suburb of Hammond Park. There were reports that the man went to hospital with facial injuries but refused to co-operate with police.

It is understood the man was recently released from jail. There were reports he was leaving the Rock Machine, but it is not known whether he was leaving of his own free will or if he was being booted out.

"We understand that it is an intra-club conflict, in other words, that's Rock Machine bashing up their own people, and that was about the removal of a tattoo that said 'Rock Machine'," Mr O'Callaghan said.

"The investigating officers have reported to me that this particular person removed a tattoo and there were retributions against him for doing that."

Mr O'Callaghan said he did not believe the community was in danger as the matter appeared to be "intra-club".

Bikies can face violent retribution if they are booted out on bad standing. In 2008, high profile bikie Troy Mercanti was reportedly bashed and forced to hand over club paraphernalia after he was tossed out of the Coffin Cheaters.