South Woodham police are cracking down on illegal motorbike riding after a five-year-old was caught on a quad bike.

The youngster, who was with his 10-year-old cousin, was riding the 40cc petrol bike around fields at the back of Celeborn Street on Thursday.

Sgt Graeme Dowsett said youngsters riding motorised bikes posed a grave danger to themselves and others and appealed to parents to take more care: "It's all down to parental responsibility. If parents knowingly allow their children to use these things, it's a tragedy waiting to happen," he said.

Police Community Support Officer Bill Evans said: "We had a call saying someone was blasting around. I was shocked to find him.

"I took them home, had a chat with the parents and sent them a letter about possibly confiscating the bike if it continues."

Published Thursday September 9, 2004

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