POLICE in Thurrock have responded to a Nub News story yesterday (Saturday, 28 February) highlighting rogue motorbike riders putting local people at risk with reckless activity on their machines on Blackshots playing fields in Grays.

Our report, which included video evidence of riders mocking police officers' attempts to curtail their activities, brought about a huge public response.

Today Essex Police acknowledged the problem and said action had been taken.

A statement from the police said: "We've been patrolling in Grays today following incidents of off-road bike being used anti-socially in the town's parks.

Police off road vehicles were deployed at Blackshots today.

"We take this offending seriously – these should be used on private land or roads, not in public parks, and could seriously injure someone.

"With our quad bikes, we have the tools to detain and deal robustly with anyone we find damaging our green spaces or disturbing members of the public.

"Thanks to these patrols we've also located a stolen vehicle and issued three Section 59 notices for anti-social driving.

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"If you see or hear bikes being used in these spaces, you can report it via our website. Vehicle nuisance involving cars, bikes and mopeds | Essex Police.