Nine drivers have been detained by the police for taking part in a street race that was broadcast live on the internet in China, according to a newspaper report.

Tens of thousands watched the live-stream of the two-hour race in Xian in Shaanxi province, the Huashang News reported.

The nine, aged between 23 and 29, have been charged with dangerous driving, according to the article.

The race was organised at night on August 13 and the motorists taking part drove car brands including Maserati, BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Police said the racers drove far in excess of the speed limit of 70 km/h on the urban roads.

The organiser of the race has also been held, according to the report.

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One internet commenter strongly criticised the racers for the danger they posed to the public.

“The movie The Fast and the Furious has ruined a generation of Chinese,” the commenter wrote, referring to the Hollywood series of films featuring illegal street racing.