A POLICE officer has warned that someone will be killed or seriously injured by youngsters riding off-road motorcycles around Thornaby.

Inspector Colin White said the town seemed to be a haven for the bikes, causing damage, distress and danger to residents and passers-by.

He is targeting parents of the children to warn them about the police campaign.

He said: "Youngsters cannot legally ride the bike on a road until they are 16, and then there are restrictions in the type of bike they are allowed and the cc engine.

"They can't push the bike along a footpath or road because they need a test certificate, tax disc and insurance.

"The only way they can get the bike to a place they can ride it legally is on a trailer with the relevant documents needed."

Insp White stressed that there were no places in Thornaby where the bikes may be ridden and said police received about 30 or 40 complaints a month from worried residents.

He said: "Somebody is either going to be killed or seriously injured by these idiots.

"We frequently get complaints from elderly residents who have nearly been knocked over by one of these bikes."

In an attempt to crack down on the problem, Thornaby police will run targeted operations with the motorcycle department of Cleveland Police.

Officers will be using official off-road bikes to detain and arrest people riding motorcycles on school fields, river banks or other areas.

The individuals will be prosecuted for offences ranging from not wearing a crash helmet to not having driving licence and be disqualified from holding a licence when they become old enough to apply for one.

That will affect their ability to obtain insurance.

Insp White said: "It is not the intention of police to stop fun, but to actually deter individuals from riding off-road bikes, which are a scourge on society.

"I would urge parents whose child has a off-road bike they take out without supervision to ensure the bikes are removed, either by handing it into police or scrapping it so that we can remove this constant menace.