Boy racers speed and do doughnuts in Norwich city centre

Police were inundated with calls from members of the public on Saturday night with reports of drivers speeding and performing "dangerous" doughnut manoeuvres. 

The large convoy of vehicles headed towards the city centre from a number of locations at about 9pm, causing "significant disturbance" in the surrounding areas.

A Norwich police officer monitors drivers' speeds in the city (Image: Norwich Police)

Officers issued 25 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) during the night.

It is the latest in a string of incidents in the county which have prompted calls for tougher action on anti-social boy racers.

Inspector Will Drummond from Norfolk's Roads and Armed Policing Team said: “We understand that the majority of vehicle enthusiasts have no interest in making local communities feel unsafe or taking dangerous risks whilst behind the wheel.

"We will continue to challenge and prosecute the small number of drivers who pose a threat to people’s safety and choose to drive to a poor standard in Norfolk.”

Inspector Will Drummond from Norfolk's Roads and Armed Policing Team (Image: Denise Bradley)

Local authorities have ramped up action since the start of this year to tackle the issue.

Britannia Road car park in Thorpe Hamlet has been shut overnight for three months following complaints of boy racers causing "havoc" for locals.

Britannia Road car park was shut for three months in an effort to curb anti-social driving (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Norwich City Council declared war on the issue in February, proposing new measures to fine offending drivers across the city.

But boy racers continue to cause disruption on the roads, with 150 cars meeting to race around Long Stratton, Harleston, Bowthorpe, Sprowston and Costessey in March. 

Meanwhile, car enthusiasts have spoken of their frustration with being labelled a public nuisance and have called for the creation of a dedicated hobby spot in the city. 

Police say various tactics are being used to tackle anti-social behaviour at car meets.

An escalation model is being employed, where warning letters are issued at the first offence, followed by Community Behaviour Orders, injunctions and arrests if drivers continue to break the law.

Anyone who experiences any local anti-social behaviour should contact 101 or 999 in an emergency.