POLICE have vowed to crack down on moped joyriders after a Southampton community was terrorised by a spate of motorcycle nuisance.

Officers were inundated with reports of off-road motorbikes and mopeds riding dangerously in public spaces and along pavements in the Millbrook area on Tuesday night and are appeal to the public to help catch those responsible.

Incidents included:

- A blue moped riding alongside a coloured moped, seen in the Allington Road area on the pavement at about 4pm

- A yellow scrambler motorbike alongside a black and white motorcycle in Mansell Park and Green Park at about 4.20pm. Both riders fled from police

- Two blue mopeds, one with an L plate, were seen alongside a yellow motorbike on a public footpath on Sutherland Road at about 5pm. All three riders were wearing hooded tops and scarves so that only their eyes could be seen

- At about 6.45pm two dirt bikes and a moped were seen riding along the footpath next to Lordshill Way

- Police are also specifically looking for a blue moped with the partial registration TK07 which was seen a number of times.

PC Simon Peacock said: “I would like to thank those people who have contacted us recently regarding motorcycle nuisance.

“The information we receive from the public allows us to identify riders driving dangerously in public spaces, often riding a vehicle without insurance.

“All the reports we received last night describe mopeds or motorbikes being ridden on public footpaths and green spaces.

“These vehicles not only cause damage to playing fields and parks but also cause fear in those wishing to use those spaces legally.

“If you see anyone on a motorcycle, quad bike or mini-moto causing a nuisance or putting lives at risk, report it. We need names, descriptions, locations and video or photographic evidence.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101.