POLICE are appealing for witnesses after the riders of three off-road motorbikes put lives at risk by driving “recklessly” in Southampton.

Worried members of the public raised the alarm after seeing the bikes causing a danger to children and other pedestrians in the Coxford, Millbrook and Shirley areas.

A police spokesman said: “These riders were putting themselves and people at risk of serious injury and we need to know who they are.”

All the incidents, including one outside a junior school, took place on Thursday between noon and 6pm.

Police say one bike was ridden towards oncoming traffic in Warren Avenue and two others were driven dangerously in Mansel Park – the day after two bikes were ridden past small children at the same location.

Officers also received reports of off-road bikes “spraying” pedestrians with mud and leaves in Green Lane.

Scrambler motorcycles were seen doing wheelies in Cuckmere Lane and in two other incidents bikes were ridden along Windermere Avenue and Shirley High Street without lights in the dark.

PC Simon Peacock said: “These motorbikes have been driving around the roads, pavements and parks without regard for anyone.

“The driving has been described as reckless and dangerous, putting innocent people and themselves at risk of death or serious injury.

“One report describes the riders being outside Fairisle Junior School at the end of the school day when children were leaving.

“They also attempted to spray mud at pedestrians and police officers. Their behaviour has caused damage to parks and grass verges.

“Someone must have seen these bikes being stored in a house, garage or shed.”

The motorcycles are described as being orange, red and white, and blue and white.

The riders were wearing dark clothing, crash helmets and, in one case, florescent trousers.