YOUNG BMX bikers, who created their own track in the woods close to Cleeve Lane, have been frightened off from using it by a man challenging them, who had an axe in his hand.

A litter picking group first noticed that a den had been created in the woods and initially believed that the children, who’d built the BMX track had constructed the den.

But local residents, who use to the area to exercise their dogs, believe the den’s construction was too complex for children and that it had to be the work of an adult.

The den construction was also reported to Herefordshire Council as it was believed that a man was living in the woods, as there was evidence that a fire had been created within the confines of the newly built den, which was covered in foliage.

Another local resident said that they had seen a man sawing down a tree in the same area.

But it was when the man approached the youngsters from the direction of the den and challenged them while holding an axe in his hand. The man’s actions managed to frighten the children off.

One of the young bikers reported what had happened to his parents and this was subsequently reported to the local police and the local authority.

“As a precaution, officers from the council visited the area the same morning. The lane and adjoining tracks were inspected in full,” said a spokesperson for Herefordshire Council and added: “We will always respond where concerns for public safety are reported to us, and we encourage residents to contact the council or the police if they see anything suspicious or out of the ordinary.”

The police in Ross-on-Wye said it has been made aware only of what appeared to be a small den, likely built by children, but that investigations were still ongoing.