Police officers are launching a clampdown on motorcyclists taking part in Halloween “ride-out events” in London.

The ride-outs involve motorcyclists gathering at locations across London, driving recklessly, on the wrong side of the road, through red lights and across pavements, with many riders using stolen vehicles, the Metropolitan police said.

Scotland Yard said it was running a planned operation over the Halloween period to tackle the ride-outs.

Supt Tania Coulson, a spokeswoman for the Met, said: “In the past, these groups have caused criminal damage to petrol stations and put themselves and members of the public at great risk by driving recklessly in large groups through the streets of London.

“We know that some people may see the event advertised and think they are joining like-minded enthusiasts on a lawful ride. This is not the case. They drive ruthlessly and carry out stunts on the road.

“Officers will be out across London throughout the Halloween period and will deploy a number of police tactics to prevent riders from driving dangerously.

“We intend to prevent disorder and crime caused by riders and we will be dealing robustly with offenders. Any groups or individuals who cause disruption will be arrested.”

Last Halloween, hundreds of masked bikers took part in a Halloween ride-out with reports of a group travelling along Oxford Street and through the City pulling stunts on the pavement, forcing shoppers and tourists to dive for cover.

It was also claimed bikers threw firecrackers at police and at people’s windows.

Last November more than 200 motorcyclists gathered for a Halloween ride-out in Solihull and Birmingham, while in Leeds a group of more than 50 people racing off-road motorcycles and quad bikes brought Kirkstall Road to a standstill.

At least seven people were arrested and 10 motorcycles seized following the incident in Birmingham, West Midlands police said.