MOTORCYCLISTS who rode recklessly across a football pitch where youngsters were playing have been slammed.

The incident, which happened at Victory Park in Barnoldswick on Sunday afternoon, saw three motorbikes driven across the football pitches and the rugby field, police said. At the time, lots of youngsters were playing football there.

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Council bosses are urging residents not to take motorbikes into parks and say that it is extremely lucky that nobody was hurt.

The incident was reported to police by Craven councillor David Whipp who was at the park at the time.

Cllr Whipp said: “At 4.20pm (on Sunday), three motorbikes were ridden at speed across the football pitches — among kids kicking balls about — tearing up the surface. They (bikers) then went on to the rugby pitch. I have reported the incident to police as criminal damage.”

Council bosses yesterday went to assess the damage.

Philip Mousdale, deputy chief executive of Pendle Council, said: “We are very concerned about the use of motorbikes in Victory Park. Our parks and open spaces are there for the enjoyment of our residents.

“Motorbikes are not permitted in any of our parks. They are potentially dangerous to the riders as well as other park users.

“No real damage was done to our football and rugby pitches but the consequences could have been far worse. It is extremely lucky that nobody was hurt.”

The park is also home to Barnoldswick Town Football Club, which uses the pitches for its junior teams.

Stewart Airdrie, the club’s first-team boss, said: “It (riding motorcycles on the pitches) is highly irresponsible and could be very dangerous.”

Police are investigating.