FAMILIES are being asked to help put the brakes on youngsters who are plaguing their lives by riding illegally on motorcycles.

Police chiefs are urging residents to contact them and give them names if they see youngsters riding on roads, paths and parkland in the Farnworth area.

Officers from the new CopShop - a mobile police station - on George Street, Farnworth, have mounted an operation to crack down on bikers who are plaguing the lives of people in Farnworth and Kearsley.

As a result of the operation, one bike was seized by police in Great Lever, one rider was reported for not wearing a helmet and another was given a verbal warning.

And in a separate operation, police handed out six warnings to youngsters following complaints from residents in Kearsley.

Sgt Shane O'Neill, of Bolton Police, said: "It is preferable if people identify the person riding the bike.

"We can't pursue a child on a bike because we have a duty of care for their safety.

"With a name, officers can go to their home and speak to their parents and issue a warning.

"If they are issued with a second warning their bike can then be seized by officers."

Residents have been complaining about the sound of engines and bikes whizzing past them as they walk on footpaths.

Gill Hughes, from Bolton Council's Community Safety Team, said: "Residents asked us to take action as children were driving all over the housing estates near George Street.

"They have been riding round the skateparks and churning up fields. Hopefully, these operations will serve as a warning to others - use the bikes appropriately, or don't use them at all."

Police can now use new anti-social behaviour powers to stop youngsters from riding on parkland.

And anyone who has a bike seized under the Police Reform Act can only have it returned after paying recovery costs of more than £100. If the bike is not collected within 21 days, it can legally be sold or destroyed.

Officers say the number of children riding the bikes has grown rapidly since Christmas.