Bikers to be 'named and shamed'

The bikes are being driven through residential areas

Residents in Greater Manchester are being asked to name and shame off-road bikers to help police clamp down on anti-social behaviour.

Operation Connect, launched on Monday, will target illegal off-road vehicles in the Holts, Alt and Fitton Hill areas of Oldham.

The move follows an increasing number of complaints about vehicles being ridden through residential areas.

Insp Alan Humphries said community help would ensure the scheme's success.

He said: "These vehicles are making people's lives a misery and we need residents to tell us who is riding them. We can't stop this problem without information from local people.

"If the problem continues we will be seizing the bikes and there is a chance they could be destroyed.

"We recognise there is a lack of facilities for riding enthusiasts but we are now working with Oldham Council to identify suitable locations that can be developed for off-road riding."