A NEW operation has been launched to tackle off-road motorbiking in Chorley and South Ribble.

Codenamed Operation Seizure, the scheme will see police patrol areas that residents have been concerned about such as cycle tracks, housing estates, wasteland and industrial estates.

Officers will use a range of powers to seize any motorbikes, mopeds, scrambler bikes and quads bikes across the area that are committing offences.

A spokesperson said: "Local residents have told us that this is a problem in the area and it is affecting their quality of life.

"This operation is about taking action to address these concerns and make our communities safer.

"Riders pose a danger to pedestrians, themselves and other road users.

"We will be looking to remove bikes from nuisance and illegal riders, bringing those responsible for committing offences before the courts.”

Police have also set up a dedicated email address, opseizure@lancashire.police.uk, for members of the public to send their concerns to.

Concerned residents can also contact police by phoning 101.