Police have used ‘tactical contact’ to stop a suspected stolen quad bike - and people in Baildon ‘loved’ the decisive tactics.

Observers say the move seems to indicate a step change in the way Bradford officers deal with nuisance off-road bikers.

One officer, who spent four years working for Bradford’s quad squad, said he was ‘glad we can now pursue’ and added that the problem could reduce sharply once ‘word gets around.’

Details of the incident were revealed by PC Pearson, who tweeted: “Well that went well, believed stolen quad tried to make off on Baildon Road, tactical contact used to bring it to a safe conclusion. If your illegal on a bike....you will be stopped.”

Pc553, now based in Holmfirth, near Huddersfield, tweeted: “Cracking job. After doing 4 1/2 years on the BD off road bike team I can say those quads are dangerous and are a right pain. Glad we can now pursue and word will get around and hopefully reduce the dangerous illegal riding.”

BD17 Neighbourhood Watch Baildon simply tweeted ‘Baildon loves you’ followed by numerous symbols indicating applause.

There were many other messages of support for the police’s approach to the incident, with one saying he had heard the nuisance quad from Saltaire.

Some said they would like to see the tactic used in other hotspot areas.

One said they would like to see it in BD 7 while another added: “See quads most days on Leeds Road between Thornbury & Broadway. Wrong side of the road, wheelies, weaving about, speeding, etc.”

One Facebook user said: “Come to Holme Wood then you will see bad driving quad bikes you name it up and down Broadstone Way.”