POLICE have condemned three “idiotic” teenagers who filmed themselves speeding around Northwich and posted footage of it on the internet.

The trio, who are all 17 and cannot be named for legal reasons, were snared after a school teacher recognised them from the film on video-sharing website YouTube, and reported them.

The footage, which has now been removed from the site, showed the driver, egged on by his accomplices;

Careering the wrong way down of the Chester Way dual carriageway.

Flying the wrong way round a roundabout at Manchester Road.

Hurtling down a set of steps at Church Road.

Cars and pedestrians were forced to take evasive action as the reckless driver displayed a disregard for their safety, and that of himself and his friends.

The driver has been convicted of dangerous driving and his two passengers of aiding and abetting dangerous driving. All three were also disqualified for 12 months and made the subject of six-month referral orders after a hearing at Vale Royal Youth Court.

The teenagers must all pass “extended tests” before they are allowed back on the road.

Sgt Rachel Gallagher, who led the investigation, said the trio were lucky no one was killed.

She told the Chronicle: “It was in the early hours of the morning, in total darkness, and you just never know who might be around the next corner or who they might have come across.

“The had absolutely no regard from pedestrians and other road users and they deserved to be taken off the road. The driving was idiotic and the other two were egging the driver on - it was utter madness.”