Police are able to tackle reckless off-road bikers

Hartlepool's MP has welcomed confirmation from crime chiefs that police can go after anti-social bikers.

- Mark Payne

Jonathan Brash contacted the Home Office after repeated concerns from residents of the town about the rise in illegal and reckless off-road motorbikes across the town.

But he said residents can be reassured by the response he received about what action police can legally take in tackling the menace.

Mr Brash received official confirmation stating that officers are able to pursue illegal off-road bikers when they are used anti-socially or dangerously and "may employ tactical options to bring the vehicle to a stop, should they judge it operationally appropriate in the circumstances."