Young cyclists could have their bikes taken away from them if they put others' lives at risk.

Up to 70 teenage boys were spotted weaving between cars and doing wheelies in the road around Maidstone on Saturday.

George Powell, 67, from Allington, was driving home when he saw the crowd on Saturday afternoon.

He said: "They were pulling out in front of cars, doing wheelies in the middle of the road. I told them not to be so stupid and I was called all the names under the sun.

"I've heard they were all riding out as one of the boys' father had died. That's all well and good, but why cause a riot?

"They're not rough kids, there were a few loud mouths, but the way they were acting was stupid."

Mr Powell said the group of boys then descended on a BP garage in London Road, Allington, claiming some items were stolen from the store.

The group of boys, thought to be aged between 12 and 15, were spotted in and around Maidstone town centre shortly after.

Other witnesses saw some of the crowd running red lights, with many not wearing helmets.

Maidstone Inspector Mark Hedges said: "We want young people to enjoy riding their bikes while getting some exercise, but they must do this in a safe and responsible way that is considerate to other road users and pedestrians.

"My officers were called about a group of cyclists riding antisocially in the pedestrian zone and on the town centre roads around midday on Saturday 13 April and whilst they had left the area before the arrival of patrols, I would remind anyone seeking to cycle in this manner that we have recently seized bikes where pedestrians have been put at risk, and in some cases they may be committing a criminal offence.

"I would urge young people in Maidstone to use the purpose-built bike and skate area in Whatman Park. It is designed to be a safe space for cyclists and skateboarders to use without endangering the town’s residents or visitors."

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