THRILL-SEEKING teenagers are risking their lives by jumping hidden pit shafts on off-road bikes, police say.

As well as putting themselves at serious risk, the youngsters are endangering passing walkers and angering nearby residents.

Following a string of complaints about the use of motorbikes and quad bikes around Fulforth Wood, near Sacriston, County Durham, Durham Police has launched a crackdown.

Officers have issued 12 warning notices, seized one bike and sent numerous letters to known bike owners. One person has been summonsed to court.

No injuries have been reported recently, but police have met landowners to find ways of keeping riders out of the areas.

It is thought some trouble is being caused by local youths. However, some is being blamed on organised adult gangs said to travel from as far away as Sunderland in vans packed with bikes to tear up the wood, a known hotspot for motorcyclists.

Police say off-road bikers are a menace in the area and there has been an increase in complaints of nuisance and anti-social behaviour. High-visibility patrols have been increased and officers from the force’s off-road bike section have been targeting the area.

Police support officer James Collins said: “Not only are these riders behaving in an anti-social manner by making a lot of noise, but they are also putting local people who walk in these wooded areas in danger.

“They are also risking harming themselves as one of the spots they use was formerly a mining area and they are using covered-in pit shafts as jumps.

“The area is a moonscape. There are lots of jumps, but they probably do not realise what they’re landing on.”

A police spokeswoman said: “It is an offence to ride a mechanically propelled vehicle off-road unless it is on private land with the permission of the land owner.

“To ride such a vehicle on a road, or in a public place, owners need a driving licence, insurance, an MOT if the vehicle is over three years old, and road tax.

“Riders using vehicles in an anti-social manner, or without insurance or the relevant licence, may have their vehicle seized and will be prosecuted.”

For advice about off-road biking, visit durham.police.uk/bikewise