SEVEN drivers have been convicted of motoring offences after police spotted racing videos on YouTube.

Northumbria Police officers from Operating Dragoon studied the videos, which showed people racing and driving dangerously around Newburn, Newcastle, and traced the drivers involved.

Seven people were identified and all have admitted driving offences, including racing on a public highway, dangerous driving and insurance fraud.

All were fined and six were banned from driving.

All men aged 19 to 26, they came from County Durham, Sunderland, Newcastle and South Shields.

Temporary Chief Inspector John Heckels said the driving was extremely dangerous.

“This action should send a message out to the minority of drivers who continue to speed and drive dangerously that they face being arrested, being banned from the roads and potentially being sent to prison for their behaviour behind the wheel.”