The street racers perform tricks

Sir Edward highlighted the latest gathering in the Bordesley Green area of Birmingham which involved 60 cars.

One vehicle ended up on its roof and another was set alight.

Sir Edward said: "Boy racing has a romantic ring about it, but the trouble is that it is incredibly dangerous and I have a real fear that a member of the public is going to be killed."

"We are looking at finding a specific new offence which would deal with this behaviour.

"There needs to be a specific offence with serious penalties.

Maximum penalties

"That is being looked at by the Home Office and will appear later this year I hope."

Currently most racers are prosecuted for dangerous driving which carries a two-year jail sentence, a 12-month driving ban and a �5,000 fine.

But officers admit it is difficult to tackle the gatherings using current legislation.

Sergeant John Ryllo said: "When the police arrive, they often disperse.

"But when we leave, they start racing again, and we are forever having to go back."