AN ATHERTON man wants illegal off-road bikers caught and punished after they injured his pet dog.

James Grant was walking his nine-year-old westie, called Snowy, on land close to Oxford Road, Hag Fold, when it was hit by a teenage rider.

The 50-year-old claims groups of youths are illegally riding bikes in the area every weekend and police need to catch them before a child is killed.

Mr Grant was walking his pet through fields close to a disused railway line near his house at around 2pm last Sunday.

As he walked down a path close to a disused railway line he saw a a group of teenagers on a nearby field. There were two boys on motorbikes, aged about 15, four other males and two girls.

Snowy would often wander off on his own and catch up with his owner later as he did on this occasion.

But this time when the little dog turned up blood was pumping out of his head. Mr Grant claims the injuries could only have been caused by a motorcycle.

Mr Grant, who lives in Oxford Road, said: "I went up to one of the lads and said 'you hit my dog'. He denied it, but I know he did.

"They are on the fields every weekend, even though they don't have any licence, tax or insurance. I'd hate to see another dog hurt, but if nothing is done a little kiddy could be knocked over and killed."

Snowy needed treatment from a vet for his head injury but is now making a good recovery.

The police and Wigan Council said they want to stop this illegal activity and have just launched a tough campaign.

Over the coming weeks they will target problem areas, such as the fields off Oxford Road, and anyone caught illegally riding motorcycles could have their bike confiscated and sold or face fines of up to £5,000.