SELFISH scramble bikers who put walkers at risk of injury could be riding into the arms of the law.

Police have issued a stern "we will prosecute" warning after a flood of complaints about young bikers causing danger, disturbance and damage on open areas of land across Hyndburn.

Insp Bob Ford said police would bring in their own scrambling bikes where necessary to catch offenders.

"They are disturbing the peace and causing danger to walkers and people out to enjoy a bit of peace in the fresh air," he said.

"Not only is it a totally selfish activity which damages the environment, they are also breaking the law.

"They are committing offences under the Road Traffic Act of driving elsewhere other than on a road, and it is an offence to drive on these areas without the permission of the landowner."

"We have our own off-road motorcycles which we deploy as and when required."

The Coppice area of Accrington is a particular blackspot with riders zooming up and down at high speed on footpaths.

Complaints have also been received about bikers abusing open land off Bolton Avenue, Huncoat; Moorhead High School playing fields in Accrington; off Heys Lane, Oswaldtwistle; and behind Alan Ramsbottom Way, Great Harwood.

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