A GROUP of young bike riders who brought "misery and annoyance" to people living near a field in Wibsey have had their bikes taken from them.

On Sunday police received the latest in a series of calls that a group of people were riding off road bikes on land near Northfield Gardens.

There had been several calls to the same area last week but each time the officers arrived the bikes had gone. On Sunday the police bike officer was on an unmarked bike and was not easily recognisable as a police officer.

With the assistance of a local officer they blocked the exit route and were able to stop two of the four riders, along with their bikes.

They claimed the land was private, and they had permission but the officers found this was a lie.

The bikes were seized to prevent further misuse.

PC David Hudson said: “Let’s not under estimate the amount of misery and annoyance that three or four off road bikes can produce.

"It’s not just the situation of a possible trespass offence, it’s also about noise nuisance and quality of life for local residents."

The riders will have the chance of reclaiming their bikes, and have been placed on an anti-social bike warning for 12 months.

A police spokesman said: "There are a number of local sites that will accommodate off road use for a fee. An internet search can inform you of those such places.

"If you chose to use public areas or private areas without permission then you risk losing your bike or quad. You could be fined and also face a court appearance with a forfeiture order on your vehicle. Is it’s simply not worth the risk."