POLICE have used new powers to seize a motorbike from a teenager as part of a crackdown on nuisance in the Kibble Bank area of Burnley.

Officers exercised a new power under the Police Reform Act 2002 which enables them to seize bikes which are causing alarm, distress or annoyance.

Police said the bike was seized as a last resort from a 14-year-old male rider who had received previous warnings about his actions.

The bike was seized by Community Beat Manager Richard Collopy who has been assisting Police Community Support Officer Sian George with nuisance patrols in the Kibble Bank area.

Police warned motorcycle scramblers last month to start behaving or risk having their bikes seized or facing a fine of up to £1,000.

The move follows complaints by residents in the Kibble Bank and Clockhouse Estate area about motorcyclists driving irresponsibly and causing noise and harassment.

Parents of children in Little Tom's Lane, which is one of the worst effected streets as it leads to the fields, have said they are fed up of the scramblers.

Sian George explained: "We have had a number of complaints about motorbike nuisance in the Kibble Bank area over the past few months. Given the activities of the cyclists and the close proximity of a nursery we shared the concerns of residents and were keen to take action.

"To date, five young people have received verbal and written warnings about their behaviour and one young person has now had his bike seized from him.

"I hope this course of action will serve as a warning to others and help to reassure local residents that we are listening to their concerns and taking action."