POLICE receiving ten complaints a day about motorbikes causing chaos on Loughton's Roding Valley recreation ground are planning a crackdown that could see bikes seized.

The site is a prime spot for young riders eager to test their skills, tearing up and down at high speeds, revving their engines, disturbing residents and causing damage.

Loughton inspector Piers Quinnell said: "The main problem is trying to catch them. They break through fences and hedges to get into the site, so when we get there they are able to disappear back through the trees.

"They wear helmets and that makes it difficult to identify them. Unfortunately, it has been low on our list of priorities," he added.

However, the problem has escalated over the summer, with residents phoning in more than ten complaints every day sparking a new approach from the police.

Mr Quinnell said: "We're planning a huge leaflet drop of all properties in the area asking anyone with any information to come forward.

"Someone out there knows who these people are and we need them to realise the scope of the problem and come forward. This issue is a major concern for residents and we want to deal with it in a very positive way."

He added: "In the long run we are considering placing plain clothes officers on the site and may be trying to seize motorbikes as well. It will be difficult for bikers to cause problems without their bikes."

Mr Quinnell will be discussing the best approach to take with district and town councillors at a meeting within the next two weeks.

Roding Ward councillor Ken Angold-Stephens said: "We accept there are no easy answers but something must be done. The motorcycles speed across the ground and they don't just cause disturbance to residents, but are a danger to children and pedestrians as well.

"We understand it is difficult to catch them because they move so fast, but something must be done before there is an accident. It was an issue several residents raised with me when I was campaigning and the problem has grown worse over the summer."