A senior Bolton police boss has warned that officers have the power to confiscate off-road bikes if riders are causing a nuisance.

Detective Sergeant Craig Walker said catching the riders was intelligence led and that residents needed to report any anti-social incidents caused by the bikers as and when it happened.

There have been a number of reports in Bolton from Over Hulton to Little Lever of off-road bikers blighting the quality of life enjoyed by residents, as well as riding illegally.

Bikes have been seized.

Detective Sergeant Craig Walker addressed the issue at recent Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting in Farnworth when it was raised as a concern again.

He said: “When a bike is going across the road we want CCTV and a call straight to the police.

“It is all intelligence led.

“When I can prove it was them I can take their bikes off them.

“If they are out on the bikes they are probably up for giving us a chase, but if I have got information I can go round in the morning."

He said chasing the bikers posed risks in case the riders fall and hurt themselves.

Read more: Police use drone footage to tackle off road bikes

Read more: Off road bikes seized after causing nuissance 

Read more: Police appeal for information about off road bikers 

Last August police used drone footage to address the issue, which is more prevalent in the summer months.

The machinery targeted areas where officers suspected bikes were being stored.

Video evidence was used to allow police to seize vehicles.

Police have previously urged people not to put themselves in danger in confronting off road bikers and to come forward with footage.

 A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Report if off road bikes are causing you a nuisance, please report it via 101 or online at https://crowd.in/JrGLp8.

"If you have CCTV footage or any still images of the bikes or riders, please email this to Bolton.partnershipteam@gmp.police.uk, this will then be passed onto the relevant Neighbourhood Policing Team."

He added: "Please do not put yourself in danger when doing so. Your safety is paramount."