MINI-moto fanatics were today urged to use their bikes sensibly after complaints they have been seen tearing around residential areas of Ipswich.Police have vowed to take action following reports they were being raced on pavements and alleyways in the Gainsborough and Greenwich areas.

MINI-moto fanatics were today urged to use their bikes sensibly after complaints they have been seen tearing around residential areas of Ipswich.

Police have vowed to take action following reports they were being raced on pavements and alleyways in the Gainsborough and Greenwich areas.

One man, who lives in the area but declined to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "They're driving on the pavements, with no helmets on, bouncing off other vehicles.

"The police know who these people are but they don't seem to do anything."

The mini-moto bikes - also known as monkey bikes - have become popular throughout the country, with youngsters able to hit speeds of up to 30mph.

At least two fatalities in the UK have been blamed on the toy-like vehicles.

The resident added: "They can be on these bikes as late as 1am and as early as 8am and they're ever so noisy.

"They're only young kids but if you ask them to get off the bikes they give you a mouthful of threats and abuse."

The resident said Morland Road, Ireland Road and Frobisher Road were particularly badly hit.

But the youngsters themselves claim there are too few places in which they can ride the bikes legally.

Chris Walters, 24, of Woodbridge, rides his mini-moto legally at regular meetings at Anglia Indoor Kart Racing, in Farthing Road, Ipswich.

He said: "People who own these bikes have to be sensible about where they use them.

"But the problem would be sorted out if there were more places to ride these bikes, like at the meeting I go to."

East Ipswich inspector Dave Dring confirmed the force had been alerted to the issue.

He added: "We want children and their parents, who have often bought these for their children as presents to be aware that it is illegal to ride them on public roads or footpaths.

"People must understand that these vehicles are not toys. They are vehicles and just like any other vehicle are capable of causing injury if used in an inappropriate manner.

"If people are caught driving these mini-motos they will be dealt with accordingly."