Police are launching a clampdown on boy racers speeding through a car park because they pose a "serious danger" to McDonald's customers.
Insp Kevin Jacobs, of Maldon police, said urgent action is needed before someone is seriously injured, and he has pledged to increase police patrols in the area.
He said youngsters have been speeding around the Ironworks car park used by McDonald's customers in Fullbridge.
The newly-appointed officer said they were scaring diners going to and from the busy restaurant.
He said: "They treat it like a race track and drive like lunatics."
For hours during the early evening and into the night, he said the youths regularly practise wheel spins and other car tricks, with no regard for families and other customers passing nearby.
McDonald's shift manager Gavin Sucregan said the restaurant wanted their customers to enjoy a safe atmosphere, but no problems had been directly reported to them as yet. He added that the situation would be looked at if bosses felt it was needed.
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