Search for leader of 40-strong gang

On Saturday, police received numerous calls from members of the public about a large group of cyclists causing a nuisance outside Morrisons, in Northwick Road, as well as in Roscommon Way.

The cyclists were weaving in and out of cars and riding against the traffic, causing cars to swerve out of their way or break heavily.

The incident comes after islanders have been making regular complaints to the police and councillors as a group of youths, aged about 12 or 13, continue to ride antisocially across Canvey.

PC Ian Risden, from the Castle Point and Rochford community policing team, believed that the youths had organised the event between them and is keen to catch the people responsible.

He said: “Some of them were riding in a manner that was so dangerous - into oncoming traffic and playing chicken.

“We seem to think that it was an organised event and we are looking at trying to identify the organiser and speak to them.

“We have already managed to identify a number of the youths involved and we will be paying them home visits and dealing with them appropriately.”

The community policing team also posted on Facebook yesterday to let islanders know that they have received a lot of information about the group of youths and are addressing the matter with parents.

The post stated: “We cannot promise an instant fix, but please bear with us.

“Please be assured that the safety of the children is paramount to us, we are trying to address this growing issue by engaging with our community”

The team also stated that they could consider using a dispersal order to stop this type of activity happening again.

When police receive information that youths are congregating in a location, they can apply for the order that is valid for 48 hours. Youths can be dispersed for that period.

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101 or independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.