POLICE trialling an innovative DNA spray which can ‘tag’ offenders and link them to unsolved crimes.

Northumbria Police officers in Sunderland and South Tyneside will carry canisters of an invisible UV solution as part of a crackdown on people illegally riding off-road motorbikes and mopeds.

The initiative– supported by Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council– follows concerns raised by residents who can often feel intimidated and unsafe as a result of antisocial behaviour linked with off-road bikes.

The water-based SelectaDNA tagging spray will mark equipment, clothing or skin with a uniquely-coded but invisible dye that can provide forensic evidence to link individuals or items to a specific crime.

The spray will be particularly useful because officers are not able to pursue a suspect riding a motorbike or scooter for safety reasons.

Temporary Superintendent Barrie Joisce, of Northumbria Police, believes the initiative will help protect the most vulnerable in society and bring regular offenders to justice.

He said: "This is something that has been successfully used at other forces across the country and will provide our officers with another effective tactic in combating anti-social, off-road biking.

“It is unacceptable for the anti-social behaviour of a minority to bring misery to a majority who can be made to feel vulnerable in their own homes or intimidated when out spending time with their friends and family. "

The force will also consider how the spray could help detect other crimes.