POLICE have accused teenagers of putting drivers' safety at risk by placing more than 60 bags of rubbish in the middle of New Forest roads.

The culprits went out after dark and dumped the sacks in poorly lit roads at Barton-on-Sea, which has a high number of elderly motorists.

Luckily the sacks were the new pink variety, which are more visible at night than the old black ones. Police said they were placed in the path of cars in Barton Lane, Seacroft Avenue, Sea Road, Seaward Avenue and Marine Drive, by a group of 18 youths aged between 14 and 16 years.

PC Del Jones, of New Milton police, said the prank could have caused a serious accident.

He added: "The sacks had been put out by residents for collection the following day, but youngsters came along a bit later and placed them in several roads in Barton, causing a great danger to road users.

"Two or three cars screeched to a halt while we were dealing with the bags. Luckily they were the new pink sacks, which are much easier to see than the old black ones. Had this happened two months ago it could have been a very different story."

PC Jones would not speculate as to whether lives had been put at risk but said some of the roads at Barton were narrow and poorly lit.

He added: "The area also has a lot of elderly drivers, whose reactions may not be as quick as they once were. Luckily no one was involved in an accident."

Barton councillor John Hutchins said: "The incident doesn't surprise me, given the behaviour of youngsters in the area in the past few months. Road signs and other objects have also been placed in the road."

Call New Milton police station on 0845 045 4545.