BASINGSTOKE police have increased patrols in certain areas of the town they say are being 'targeted' by large car meet gatherings.

Officers have posted to social media to reassure the community of their response to reports of incidents, sometimes involving more than 100 people.

A spokesperson wrote: "We are aware of reports and posts on our social media pages of car meets taking place across Basingstoke.

"Police are responding to these incidents and regularly patrol those areas which are being targeted for car meets."

The areas which are being targeted the most are Brighton Hill Retail Park and Basingstoke Leisure Park, as well as in Daneshill, in particular Wade Road, Bell Road, Stroudley Road, and Rankine Road.

The spokesperson added: "These car meets sometimes consist of approximately 100 plus vehicles. This has a huge impact on local residents, other road users and individuals who attend the car meets who could possibly become injured as a result of attending these meets.

"To enable us to deal with these incidents effectively and when they are taking place, we need you to report this."

It comes after hundreds of people descended on Brighton Hill Retail Park on a Saturday evening last month for a car meet up.

The sounds of revving engines and souped-up exhausts left staff at McDonald’s struggling to hear the orders of customers at the drive thru, according to witnesses.

Incidents can be reported to the police via 101, or 999 in case of an emergency.

Alternatively, you can report incidents to the police online at: https://orlo.uk/W3QSy