A MASKED moped gang tried to carjack drivers stopped at traffic lights across Southampton.

Officers have launched an investigation after riders wearing balaclavas tried to open the doors of cars stopped at traffic lights or being driven in the city in the early hours of yesterday.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire police said the group is between two and four people using one or two mopeds or motorbikes.

The incidents happened at 2.21am on the M271 at Nursling, at 3.01am on Portswood Road and at 3.27am on Charlotte Place.

Police said the group was also seen in St Vincent’s Walk, Redbridge Causeway, Clover Nooke and Bedford Place between 2.16am and 3.14am.

Officers said the investigation was still at an early stage and they were still trying to find out what happened at each location.

But they confirmed the group dumped a moped at around 3.25am and made off on foot on Kendal Avenue.

Officers worked with the National Police Air Service (NPAS), using a helicopter to track down the group.

The force confirmed that no cars were stolen and no-one had been arrested as the Echo went to press last night.

Police officers in the city are now calling for witnesses.

Acting Chief Inspector Mel Golding said: “We are working really hard to identify the riders of these motorcycles.

“If you know who is involved, please get in contact with us.

“We believe they were riding across the city between these times so any information, dash cam footage or private CCTV you may have of them will be valuable to our investigation.

“Be alert but not alarmed. If you are concerned, take an extra precaution like locking your vehicle from the inside. If approached, drive away if safe to do so and sound your horn to get attention. Call 999.”

The incidents come after nuisance riders were caught on the field behind the Coxford Community Centre last month.

Officers leading Operation Torque – an initiative to reduce motorcycle nuisance and prosecute dangerous drivers – responded to the sight of four bikers riding recklessly in the area at around 3.30pm. When police officers attended, one of the bikers rode at an officer who was on foot and struck him on the leg.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire police said the incidents reported yesterday were not related to the one in Coxford.

But she added: “As part of our investigation strategy, we look at all available information to us in order to identify suspects and solve crimes.

“We work hard with the communities in the Millbrook area to gather information on people believed to be riding mopeds illegally and we continue to ask the public for help in tackling this issue.”

The drivers targeted drove away once approached and no-one was injured.

Cllr Dave Shields, cabinet member for health and community safety at Southampton City Council, said: “We need to make sure these people are brought to book and I’m determined to do everything I can to support the police.

“This is a very important issue for many residents and we are determined to get to grips with this nuisance.”