John Phillips BIKE-riding crime fighters are to patrol Barking and Dagenham parks in a project inspired by safer neighbourhood teams and a successful US law enforcement model. The environmentally-friendly parks police will cover Goresbrook, Parsloes, Mayesbrook and Bar

John Phillips

BIKE-riding crime fighters are to patrol Barking and Dagenham parks in a project inspired by safer neighbourhood teams and a successful US law enforcement model.

The environmentally-friendly parks police will cover Goresbrook, Parsloes, Mayesbrook and Barking parks.

Central Park, Easbrookend, Old Dagenham, Greatfields, St Chads and Valence parks will soon be added to their route.

Labour Cllr Bob Little, Barking and Dagenham executive member for parks, said: "Having parks officers patrolling bikes is a great way to interact with the public and increase safety in parks. This will assist in our community involvement, engagement and safety."

Four officers, led by a sergeant, are being trained this month and a further six are set to be equipped and trained in the coming months.