POLICE have vowed to crack down on the use of mini-motos in one of the borough's ancient woods.

Greenwich Police, in partnership with the council, say they will take a zero-tolerance approach on the use of the notorious miniature motorbikes which are popular with teenagers.

The move follows concerns raised by residents living close to Oxleas Wood, Greenwich.

Sergeant Dale Openshaw, from Shooters Hill safer neighbourhood team, said: "We do not want to spoil anyone's fun but the inappropriate use of these bikes in areas such as Oxleas Woods can cause a real nuisance for the community."

Police have warned those aged below 16 can only ride the bikes on private land with the owner's permission.

To use the bikes on the road, the biker must be over 16 and hold a provisional driving licence for motorcycles as well as a compulsory bike test certificate.

Greenwich Council's cabinet member for environment and community Councillor Maurenn O'Mara said: "People who ride their motorbikes in open spaces are an absolute menace.

"It's illegal and puts lives at risk are we are determined to work with the police in clamping down on this potentially lethal activity."