There are fears aggressive dirt bike riders are putting lives at risk by using greens and woodland as a racetrack.

Police are investigating after land off Knoll Lane and Langney Drive in Washford Farm, Ashford, became popular with bikers.

Anxious residents think someone could be seriously injured as they say the riders pay no attention to walkers.

Angry Chloe Billingham said: "My young daughter and I have narrowly missed being mown down by dirt bikes on the lovely field behind Cuckoo Woods in Washford Farm.

"Since last summer, the dirt bikes have become a serious stress factor, awful noise nuisance and danger to everyone living around the field and woods, and we are no longer safe walking our dogs in the woods or playing with our children in the field.

"The riders of these bikes are aggressive, rude and thuggish - their aim appears to be to destroy all peace and to force pedestrians out of the field and wood."

Resident Harry Williams agreed, saying he has seen one rider deliberately chase a small fox.

He said: "On three separate occasions, my wife or I have almost been mown down while innocently walking through the woods with our little boy and dog.

"The bikers pay no attention to walkers - they simply race around wherever they want.

"All of the surrounding homes are within earshot of the horrible noise of the bikes."

Ashford community safety inspector Jason Atkinson says police are aware of the issue.

He said: "We have had reports of motorcyclists riding without helmets, through areas which are popular with dog walkers, children and other pedestrians and it poses a danger to all involved.

"Local officers and PCSOs are patrolling the area, and posters have been put up, reminding riders to act responsibly.

"Seizure warnings have been given out to a 13-year-old boy and a nine-year-old boy from Ashford.

Police say PCSOs will be out in force during the Easter holiday to ensure people are riding legally.

Insp Atkinson said: "We ask the community to let us know if they see anti-social riding by contacting police, either 101 (999 if a crime is in progress) or via the Kent Police website.