Crackdown on off-road motorbikes

Police patrols are being increased in a County Durham village in a crackdown on illegal off-road motorbikes.

The move comes after residents in Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland, complained about teenage riders on quad bikes and mini motorbikes.

A police spokesman said it was believed most of the riders were unlicensed, uninsured and underage.

Visits to known offenders are now planned to educate and warn them about illegal biking.

Authorised site

Local farmers are also being reminded of their legal responsibilities in allowing quad and other bikes on their land.

Sgt Sara Baxter, of Durham Police, said: "Too many riders are going out on these machines unlicensed, uninsured and not wearing the correct safety gear.

"They are also disrupting the lives of local residents and we hope the various measures we are taking should address the problem."

She added police were in discussions with local authorities on the possibility of creating an authorised site where quad bikes could be used.