RESIDENTS who were terrorised by boy racers are breathing a sigh of relief as they told how the nuisance drivers have disappeared.

Some people living close to Roscommon Way, Canvey, were even forced to sleep in their attics to escape the noise as they faced a fortnight of nightly cruises along the stretch of road.

The Echo highlighted the problems, which has seen the police take action. Residents claim patrols in the area, which have also seen officers hand out warning appear to have worked - with the boy racers nowhere to be seen.

In two days of action last Sunday and Monday, police handed out 48 warning letters and information packs - which warn of the consequences of speeding.

They also issued one defect rectification notice and reported one person for careless driving. One person was also handed a ticket for a loud exhaust.

Veteran Canvey councillor Ray Howard, who lives near Roscommon Way, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to the police, and to the Echo for covering the issue so thoroughly.

“The boyracers haven’t returned since then and Canvey has gone from sounding like Brands Hatch, to being the silent island it was before.

“I think the police handled the issued extremely diligently - residents are pleased.”

The Castle Point Community Policing Team and Casualty Reduction unit posted an open letter to boyracers.

It read: “Offenders will be dealt with robustly, a zero tolerance to minor offences has been adopted.

“Got a noisy exhaust? Expect a ticket. Also expect us to contact your insurance company to see if you have declared your modifications.

“Seen by police driving in an antisocial manner? Your vehicle will be seized.”

George Whatley, 75, was kept awake by the racing despite living in the Dutch Village area - two streets away.

He said: “It has quietened down and that’s fine, but when this happens it’s usually only a matter of time before they return.

“When that happens we have to be pro-active and vigilant to sort it out.”

Drivers in souped-up cars were caught on camera speeding past Met Police officer Billy Baxter, 27, at more than 100mph as he rode his motorbike along Roscommon Way on his way from work after dark.