CHILDREN as young as ten are risking lives by riding motorbikes in parks on Canvey and fleeing police.

Officers received reports of two children on off road motorised bikes riding around Northwick Fields on Canvey on Sunday, as well as a number of adults riding in a similar antisocial fashion

PC Ian Risden of the Castle Point Community Policing Team slammed the adults for “not knowing better” and encouraging the children as well as helping them flee.

The group, including both the children, fled the scene when police approached, riding along a footpath behind St Christopher’s Close, towards Third Avenue.

The incident comes shortly after the Echo reported similar incidents in John Burrows Park, off Daws Heath Road, in Hadleigh.

It is claimed that families have been left scared to visit the park after dangerous bikers were spotted speeding around the area.

Nuisance riders are regularly spotted riding in the park, forcing Castle Point Council to install CCTV and warden patrols.

PC Risden acknowledged the force may seem to spend a lot of time on incidents like this, but stated they are a serious danger to the public.

He said: “Whilst on patrol we came across two children on off road bikes at Northwick Fields, Canvey. One was a red quad and the other a blue scrambler. Unfortunately both were too far away to be stopped safely.

“They then joined a number of adults who should know better and they all made off along the footpath behind St Christopher’s Close towards Third Avenue.

“Both children were aged no more than ten. We have captured this behaviour on video footage and will be making enquiries with schools.

“Some ask why we are spending so much time dealing with motorcycles and quads causing anti-social behaviour. Unfortunately the offenders carry out this activity where families and dog walkers congregate, putting themselves and others in danger.” Call police on 101 or contact castlepointandrochfordCPT@essex.pnn.police.uk.