SLEEP-deprived Soho residents say they are being kept awake until 4am by gangs of nuisance motorbike riders revving engines and performing stunts in the early hours.

Groups of up to 20 bikers at a time have been gathering in streets including Frith Street and Old Compton Street, roaring through the neighbourhood, blocking pavements and pulling wheelies in the middle of the night.

Fed-up locals say the late-night noise has turned parts of Soho into a sleepless zone, with engines revving and bikes racing through the streets long after bars and clubs have closed.

Some riders have reportedly tried to avoid enforcement by covering or hiding their number plates while performing dangerous stunts.

Now Westminster Council says is to use a special order to try and stop the disturbances.

It has expanded its “Nuisance Vehicle Public Space Protection Order” across the West End, giving officers stronger powers to fine riders.

Council enforcement teams are now working alongside the Met who are carrying out patrols and using CCTV to identify offenders.

Since the start of the year, police have issued 36 traffic offence reports, while council officers have handed out 81 fixed penalty notices for breaches of the rules.

Police also have the power to seize bikes used in reckless or anti-social riding.

Cabinet councillor Aicha Less said: “Residents in Soho deserve to feel safe and to get a good night’s sleep. This behaviour is reckless, antisocial, and deeply disruptive, and we are determined to bring it to an end.”