POLICE seized an off-road bike during a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in a park plagued by bikers.

Officers with the Rumworth Neighbourhood Team were on patrol at Cutacre Country Park after reports of bikers using the popular area.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police Bolton South said: "The Rumworth Neighbourhood Team were covering the Cutacre Country Park to tackle the illegal and anti-social use of off-road bikes in the area. As a result, they managed to stop and seize this illegal off-road bike."

The park, just off the M61, junction four, has been open for just over three years, with the 530 acre wildlife site already a hit with locals and nature lovers.

But for the past months off-road bikers have taken to the country park and say residents damaged the habitats of animals while causing a noise and visual nuisance.

A number of off-road bikes have been seized across Bolton after reports they have been causing a nuisance.

The latest seizure of bikes comes after senior councillor Andy Morgan urged police to take action against the bikers.

He said: "The last time I looked it was law that you had to wear a helmet when driving a motor bike, scooter or scrambler.

"I’ve just taken the dog out along St John’s Road and Chew Moor Lane and three 'bikes' sped past, well over the 20/30 mph speed limit, with young scallys on board not wearing any helmets.

"Please Greater Manchester Police, if we can’t enforce these basic rules then we have no chance of cutting the head off the snake and enforcing the law.

"These kids absolutely believe there is no consequence to them - sticking two fingers up to our communities and you the law enforcers."

In response to the problems of off-road bikers, police have increase plain clothes police officers.

A police spokesman said: "During this patrol, officers were covering the Cutacre Country Park in aid to tackle the illegal and antisocial use of off-road bikes in the area. As a result, they managed to stop and seize this illegal off-road bike. Off-road bikes can put innocent dog walkers and other members of the public in danger.

"If you see any off-road bikes, please report online via Report | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk) or report anonymously via Crimestoppers Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)"