STATEMENT from Essex Police: “We share the concern felt following incidents of anti-social behaviour linked to the use of quad bikes in the Thurrock district.
Our officers have been responding, utilising a number of tactics including the help of the National Police Air Service helicopter.
In an incident yesterday, we received reports of three males on a quad bike firing a slingshot at passing animals and members of the public.
This was reported to us in the Bulphan/Orsett area at around 5pm on Wednesday 1 October.
We swiftly attended and carried out a lengthy area search, eventually spotting the quad bike at Orsett Heath playing fields.
A foot chase followed and the quad bike was seized.
Enquiries are ongoing to locate the suspects through a number of investigative avenues, including forensic opportunities.
Later that evening, a second quad bike was recovered in Tilbury after a woman was seen driving with two young children on board.
No persons on the quad bike had helmets or protective equipment.
The vehicle was seized and the driver dealt with accordingly for driving without insurance.
Sergeant Adam Priest said: “We understand that the anti-social and often dangerous use of quad bikes is having an impact on our neighbourhoods.
“We know that people who are committing offences are often linked to other offending in the area that causes suffering for residents.
“Whilst we were unable to locate the offenders at the time on this occasion, my team are following up investigations to identify the individuals involved.
“By locating the quad bikes and taking these off the streets, it does have an impact and assists us with further enquiries.”
