For months people living in Moss Side have complained about youths terrorising the neighbourhood by ripping up greens and causing a nuisance on the souped up bikes.

Officers say they are currently looking to create a specialist park for the riders but until they do, so they are being urged to stay at home or face having their vehicles confiscated and even crushed.

Sgt Neil Sladen, of Leyland Police, has sent out letters to known users warning them that they face prosecution if they are found causing a nuisance.

He said: "Moss Side has been plagued with mini-motos and quad bike riders for too long and we will not stand for it.

"On or off-road, it doesn't matter, we have powers of confiscation and we are not afraid to use them.

"It is unlawful to ride these vehicles on the road because they can't be insured for that purpose.

"We are not trying to spoil anybody's fun but we will not tolerate a small minority of people causing a disturbance in our neighbourhoods."

Over the next couple of months a police helicopter will be patrolling the area in a bid to help officers on the ground catch the pests in the act.

In future, police say they want to work with South Ribble Council to designate an area of land where mini-moto users can ride without causing a disturbance to local residents.

Coun Michael Green, who represents Moss Side, said: "It did seem as though the problems of mini-motos had subsided for a while but they have come back again.

"I am fully supportive of any crackdown on this behaviour because it does cause a lot of disturbance to local residents.

"In terms of finding a dedicated site for mini-moto use, I think it is a very good idea but finding a suitable place involves various considerations, such as making sure it will not cause noise nuisance to residents.

"I am keen to work with the police to find the right place in future."
Anyone who wants to report problems can ring PC Dave Gaskell, of Leyland Neighbourhood Policing Team, on 01772 415855.