People have reacted angrily after illegal off road bikers have been seen destroying a popular County Durham beauty spot. 

Over the last couple of weeks, off-road bikers have been targeting Framwellgate Moor near Durham City, which has seen the mud and grassland torn up by the tyres of the vehicles. 

The damage caused by the riders has seen it become dangerous and a 'mud puddle' for others who use the beauty spot, including walkers and dog walkers. 

The Northern Echo: Over the last couple of weeks, off-road bikers have been targeting Framwellgate Moor near Durham CityOver the last couple of weeks, off-road bikers have been targeting Framwellgate Moor near Durham City (Image: DURHAM CITY POLICE)

As a result of the anti-social off-ride biking, the neighbourhood policing team have been patrolling the area and has warned people who participate in illegally riding in the area.

A spokesperson for the neighbourhood policing team said: "Responding to community concerns regarding Anti-social vehicle nuisance, damage to the woodland and dangerous riding, officers from the Framwellgate Moor and Meadowfield Neighbourhood policing team visited Ragpath Woods, Waterhouses Woods and Bearpark Colliery.

"No motorised off-road vehicles were found but there was plenty of evidence that vehicles had been used illegally at these locations.

"Officers will be regularly visiting these and surrounding areas, if vehicles are found being used illegally, they will be seized, and the riders reported for any driving offences that they are committing."

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Alongside the patrols, the policing teams have warned people who take part in illegal off-road bike activity.

The spokesperson added: "We do not want to take your pride and joy away and prosecute you but if you are riding illegally we will have no choice.

"We will not stop until the antisocial use of motor vehicles stops."