Hundreds of bikers sped through Croydon, mounting pavements and letting off fireworks, on a "reckless" Halloween rideout.

The group rode mopeds, quad bikes and scooters from Lambeth at about 6pm on Saturday, October 31, and sped through Lewisham, Bromley, Greenwich and Croydon, causing criminal damage and robbing a petrol station along the way.

They were riding dangerously, mounting pavements, committing criminal damage and behaving in an anti-social way, police said.

The drivers are thought to have organised the ride on social media in protest against the lack of legal space available for stunt bikers.

Theo Harrison had been watching rugby at his friend’s house close to Hilly Fields when he heard the roar of the bikes approaching.

The 24-year-old, a digital content editor at a charity, said: “It got louder and louder.

“They were mounting the pavements to get into the park. We went out to see what was going on.”

Mr Harrison captured video footage of the bikers riding across the park as they let off fireworks.

He added: “There were at least 200 motorcycles and all sorts of different vehicles – quadbikes and mopeds all congregating. The crowd got bigger and bigger.

“It gradually got more and more hectic.

He added: “There was nothing that the police could do really. It was pretty mad.

“I can understand what it means to them [the bikers] but there were lots of kids around trick or treating. It was a huge shame for the little kids and families.”

Part of the group entered the Apple Green Petrol Station in Streatham at about 8.30pm and stole confectionary from the shop before speeding off without paying for petrol.

A 23-year-old man was arrested for making off without payment and not having a valid driver’s licence. He has been bailed to return to a police station in mid-November.

The group, mostly from Croydon and Bromley, broke up between midnight and 1am on Sunday morning.

No other arrests have been made and police are appealing for information, photographs and mobile phone footage of the biker gang.

Superintendent Liam Harrington said: “This group behaved in an utterly reckless manner, committing criminal damage and endangering themselves, other road users and pedestrians.

"Although there have been no reported injuries, my officers are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the offences committed and work to bring those involved to justice.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Did you see the bikers' convoy? Call the newsdesk on 0208 722 6351 or email chris.baynes@london.newsquest.co.uk