PRESSURE has been placed on police to halt a new craze of youths who are haring around quiet streets in Kew on miniature motorbikes, says a local councillor.

The riders often wear no helmet and ride around at high speed on these petrol powered vehicles which are not thought to be safe or legal for road use.

Lib Dem Cllr Jane Arneil believes this is an accident waiting to happen and is urging police to take action.

"I am very concerned that someone is going to get seriously hurt because of these mini motorbikes. I have asked police to educate and stop the youths from playing this dangerous, illegal game and also to target any shops that may be selling the bikes inappropriately.

"After all if youngsters were unable to buy the bikes this problem would not arise."

A number of complaints have been received by Cllr Arneil from residents who are concerned that the bikes are so small they are difficult to see from behind a car wheel.

She added: "Colleagues tell me that this is becoming a borough wide problem.

"It is vital that residents report illegal and dangerous usage of the miniature motorbikes."