BOY racers have been urged to put the brakes on illegal street racing in Colchester before someone is killed.

Chief Constable of Essex Police Ben-Julian Harrington branded the behaviour “immensely dangerous”, adding: “I don’t think there is a Max Verstappen here.”

The Gazette revealed in May how boy racers are using the city centre as a racetrack, with reports of similar behaviour taking place on the roads surrounding the Lakelands estate in Stanway.

It followed 22-year-old Kyle Clark, of Crossfield Way, Kirby Cross, being sentenced at Colchester Magistrates’ Court for performing donuts in his BMW in Tollgate East, Stanway.

Gazette: Investigation - a police car at Abberton Reservoir next to tyre tracks left by boy racersInvestigation - a police car at Abberton Reservoir next to tyre tracks left by boy racers (Image: Essex Police)

“Some people like sitting in car parks revving their engines and look, we might have to disagree on that,” said Mr Harrington.

“Doing donuts in a car park and racing around city streets is immensely dangerous.

“I don’t think there is a Max Verstappen here. The last time I saw him he was on the Formula 1 track.

“All it takes is a child to walk into a road or a person to come out of a pub after a drink and it becomes a tragedy.

Gazette: Plea - Chief Constable of Essex Police Ben-Julian HarringtonPlea - Chief Constable of Essex Police Ben-Julian Harrington (Image: Newsquest)

“At that point driving at speed for fun through Colchester becomes a death by dangerous driving investigation.”

A police probe was launched on May 21 after a white BMW ploughed through the railings at Abberton Reservoir during a car meet.

A three year Public Space Protection Order was introduced across the whole city last September.

It means criminal action can be taken against motorists causing a nuisance including car racing, engine revving, stunts and amplified music.

Gazette: Anti social - tyre tracks left in Smeaton Close, ColchesterAnti social - tyre tracks left in Smeaton Close, Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

The chief constable praised the legislation and said it gives officers more opportunities to act.

“The people of Essex love their cars and that’s a fact," he said.

“So we try to work with the car enthusiasts to make sure they enjoy them sensibly.

“There are a number of people who are criminal within that group but it is not the group as a whole.”

He added: “Most of those people are responsible but we need to make sure they are enjoying safely and not causing distress to the community.