YOUNG riders who tear around an East Lancashire town without lights are being warned they risk having their bikes impounded.

Neighbourhood police in Colne say they have stepped in after receiving a barrage of complaints regarding irresponsible youths congregating in the town's North Valley area.

Anti-social behaviour has been reported on a number of occasions, involving teen cyclists, between Sainsbury's and McDonalds, off North Valley Road.

Extra patrols have been conducted this week and officers insist they want to educate, rather than punish, those involved.

But they have not ruled out making seizures if youngsters continue to ignore their advice.

A Colne Police spokesman said: "We would like to remind anyone who has a bike and intends to ride it whilst it's dark, that it must be fitted with working lights, white at the front and red to the rear.

"Last night a youth who had been warned the night before, had his bike, still with no lights, confiscated."

Cllr Dorothy Lord, of Waterside ward, said: "I’m pleased action is now being taken against these disruptive youths. The situation is out of control."