A gang of illegal off-road drivers caused thousands of pounds of damage to a green lane and dry-stone walls near Settle on Sunday.

At least five 4x4 vehicles were seen tearing up Banks Lane at around 4pm by a member of the public, who called the police.

Two vehicles made off across the fell when Settle police constable Harry Carpenter arrived on foot to investigate. The vehicles smashed through drystone walls to escape along Langcliffe High Road.

PC Carpenter said: “The drivers realised they couldn’t get out of the field unless they came past me. They took off at speed and knocked drystone walls down to get back on to the road. Other units came to back me up but unfortunately the two vehicles got away.

“They really churned up the ground and made a real mess of the land. Where they were driving isn’t even a green lane. It is just a bridleway on the fell side and part of the Settle loop. It could have been very dangerous.

“There were plenty of people walking past and the noise the vehicles were making would have scared horses using the bridleway.”

PC Carpenter added: “Idiots like this make a big mess and illegal off-roading is a problem we will take positive action against.”

He said the three remaining drivers would be reported for summons to Skipton Magistrates’ Court for alleged criminal damage to the green lane and driving a vehicle on a public bridleway.

Mark Allum, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s recreation manager, said the authority had put considerable resources into protecting the most sensitive green lanes while providing opportunities for trail riders and 4x4 users to enjoy the area.

He said the vast majority of recreational motor vehicle users respected this work and used legal routes in a responsible manner but there were still issues with a small number of drivers who, through ignorance or a disregard for the countryside, caused problems.

The two vehicles that escaped are thought to be a dark green Land Rover Discovery and an orange Land Rover.

PC Carpenter said it was possible the vehicles were damaged during the incident and would have been very muddy.

He urged witnesses to contact Settle Police on 0845 6060 247 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.