Children on mini-bikes are called "dangerous" by police

Essex Police said they would confiscate the machines and issue anti-social behaviour orders because illegal riding by children is putting lives at risk.

The Greenstead estate in Colchester is being targeted after several complaints by elderly residents and mothers.

Mark Harrison, of Essex Police, said: "It is illegal to ride the bikes without tax, MOTs or insurance."

Estate residents complain that the bikes are ridden along streets, alleys and pavements.

Police said that this has become a danger to the public and officers have received an increased number of calls on the issue.

Mark Harrison said: "We can now seize machines after riders have been warned once. It will cost them �100 to get the machines back.

"Parents will also be targeted and we will issue ASBOs because they have been so successful elsewhere."