POLICE have issued a warning after a spike in reports of off-road motorbikes on Holcombe Moor.

Officers were sent out on the moor last weekend in an attempt to deter people from riding the vehicles, which they say are an 'accident risk' and also cause 'serious damage to the moorland and wildlife'.

They have now warned that anyone found using the vehicles on the moor could be fined or have their bikes destroyed.

Inspector Russ Magnall from GMP's Ramsbottom, Tottington and North Manor team said: "Ramsbottom Police Neighbourhood Team have been out on Holcombe Moor over the weekend to deter the anti-social activities of people riding off road motor bikes on the Moor.

"As well as causing noise nuisance, off-road bikes cause serious damage to the moorland and wildlife as well as being an accident risk to people enjoying the peace and tranquillity up there.

"The community should be reassured that police will continue to work with partner agencies to address this problem and will use the full range of powers available to deter. This includes fines and seizure and destruction of bikes.

"As always we value the support of our communities who are asked to keep their eyes peeled and feed in any information to help us tackle the issue, particularly the registration numbers of the bikes or vehicles used to get the bikes up to the moor.

"Information can be sent in by using the 101 number or anonymously by ringing crime stoppers on 0800 555 111."