POLICE are warning parents they could be prosecuted if their children ride GoPeds illegally.

The warning follows complaints from residents about youngsters speeding along pavements on the small petrol-engined scooters, startling and endangering pedestrians.

The police are warning children could get killed and say using GoPeds on roads is restricted and requires insurance and a valid driving licence.

A child riding a GoPed in a public place, including on roads, pathways or alleyways, is breaking the law.

Greenwich police say they will be taking a strong line with GoPed riders.

They have already confiscated and destroyed two scooters and the riders, aged 14 and 17, now face prosecution for having no driving licence and no insurance.

Chief Inspector Geoff Bishop of Greenwich police added: "It is only a matter of time before a young person is seriously injured or killed using one of these scooters illegally."

He added: "The message is simple. Don't let your child commit an offence by using a GoPed on the roads or pavements.

"There are very few places where it's legal to use them. So the safest thing is not to buy one at all."

Joan Dacre, chairman of Long Walk Neighbourhood Panel in Woolwich Common, says parents should be held responsible.

She said: "The riders are a danger to themselves and to others. Kids will be kids but parents should know better."

Council member for community safety Councillor Rajwant Sidhu said: "I would urge parents to consider if their child does not have a driving licence, insurance and headgear then they simply should not be in control of a potentially lethal vehicle."