A POLICE officer has spoken of the dangers of boy racers after a crowd of 100 people watched about five vehicles racing around island roads.

PC Ian Risden, neighbourhood constable for Castle Point and Rochford Community Policing Team, said the behaviour will not be tolerated.

It comes after officers spotted the gathering during patrols on Canvey.

He said: “We heard noise from Roscommon Way, my team were in an unmarked vehicle and attended.

“There were around 100 people spectating along the roadside and between three and five vehicles were racing between the roundabouts.

“Whilst we were waiting for marked support we witnessed a number of vehicles driving in a dangerous manner and relayed the registration numbers to our marked units.

“Thanks to body worn video we have footage of several vehicles committing offences. “One was stopped and reported for racing on the highway, non conforming registration plate and issued a warning.”

PC Risden said if the racing along the highway offence is proven then police will make a referral to the insurer as street racing is not covered in insurance policies.

He said the crowd quickly dispersed upon the arrival of several marked units from the policing team who reacted quickly.

PC Risden said: “Clearly those spectating are at enormous risk as they were literally only a couple of metres away from the racing cars, with no barrier to protect them.

“We have no issue with car enthusiasts meeting or congregating together, however driving in such a manner will not be tolerated due to the risk to others and the drivers and we make no apologies for prosecuting those responsible to the full extent of the law.”

He took to Twitter after the incident and posted about the incident.

There have been on going issues with boy racers around Roscommon Way on the island.

Officers have also been working to crack down on the issue.

In July, the Echo reported how police launched Operation Spice during a weekend with officers called to Roscommon Way to stop illegal drag racing in the area.

The latest incident happened at about 10pm last Friday.