Two youths were issued with Section 59 Warning Notices, which give the police power to seize any bike being ridden in an anti-social manner in the next 12 months, following a complaint made on Sunday. October 23rd. In addition, should their bikes be found being ridden by anyone else in such a manner, they can also be seized.

The Ross-on-Wye Local Policing team had responded to complaints about off road motorcycles being driven dangerously around public places in the town. The team identified two youths who were riding in the grounds of Ross-on-Wye Sports Centre and Skate Park and who are also believed to have been part of a group that have been riding along footpaths and fields in the Roman Way area of town.

CSO Cowmeadow, from the Ross-on-Wye Town Local Policing Team, said: "Some people may see this sort of behaviour as a bit of harmless fun but the reality is that racing around local estates on off-road motorcycles is highly dangerous and somebody is going to get seriously hurt if it continues.

"Racing around footpaths, parks and public playing fields is irresponsible and unacceptable, and it could easily cause injury to a person, particularly a young child.

"We want this practice to stop and are warning riders that they may face the same consequences should they be caught. As well as it being anti-social, riders may also be committing any number of road traffic offences that may lead to a prosecution.

"Bikes that are found riding on the public highway with no insurance will be seized instantly, and no warning will be given.

"We understand riding these bikes is fun, but it should only be done on privately owned land where they have written permission from the land owner or at specialist sites."

Young people or their families should contact the Auto Cycle Union which can advise on specialist sites in their area. Visit their website at http://www.acu.org.uk">www.acu.org.uk or call 01788 566400 for details.

Any person that witnesses this type of behaviour is urged to contact the police immediately by dialling 0300 333 3000.