COUNTRYSIDE rangers were devastated to discover extensive damage caused by motorcycles at a beauty spot.

Two thirds of Warren House Dene, Horden, near Peterlee had been wrecked with most of the common rock rose, vital to the rare Durham Argus butterfly, destroyed.

Parts of the Durham Heritage Coast footpath along the bottom of the dene had also been damaged. The discovery was made on Thursday January 25.

Durham Police said they had details of off-road motorcycles believed to have been in the area at the time, although it is unknown whether they were responsible for the damage.

The owners will be issued Traffic Warning Notices, as well as community protection warning notices. with further antisocial driving could result in vehicle seizure and a fine of £100. Anyone with information should contact Durham Police on 101.