ILLEGAL street racing on a dual carriageway led to police closing off a busy road.

'Boy racers' were seen racing on Kidderminster Road, between the Westlands Roundabout and the Big Bear Factory, in Droitwich, while 'a number of people' watched from a nearby path.

The road was closed at Westlands roundabout on Saturday evening while police searched for the culprits. 

The incident provoked a number of calls from people nearby.

Police said on arrival the cars had left the area, but they still closed the road to try and find the vehicles involved.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "On Saturday evening around 8.30pm police received several reports of cars racing in this area, and our calls reported there were a number of people watching.

"On police arrival at 8.45pm, the cars involved had left the area.

"There were still a number of people in the area on the path.

"A road closure was put in place at the Westlands roundabout while officers carried out area searches for the vehicles involved."

Droitwich councillor Richard Morris has been campaigning to make the Westlands roundabout safer for people crossing the roads.

Cllr Morris said: "Boy racers do concern me, and this is a matter to be brought up with the police.

"I am aware it has happened on occasion in the past.

"Police do proactive work and go to monitor the area even when there are no reports.

"My issue is safeguarding residents who are crossing the roundabout.

"I would urge drivers to be more courteous and for residents to sign my petition."

Cllr Morris's petition aims to get safer walkways for residents who regularly need to cross the road and roundabout to do their shopping at the neighbouring Lidl or Aldi.

He also believes that needs to be done to support pedestrians from potentially being hit by speeding cars.

Street racing is an illegal offence which comes under section 2 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

It is committed when the defendant’s driving falls far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver - and where it is obvious that driving in that way would be dangerous.

This includes “racing, going too fast, or driving aggressively”.