RESIDENTS have urged police to clamp down on ‘reckless’ youths who have been seen riding a dirt bike through a beauty spot.

Two youngsters, thought to be in their early teens, were photographed on a scrambler motorbike by a walker on the River Ray Parkway at Shaw Forest Park last week.

The 40-hectare community woodland has undergone substantial restoration work over the past few years and has become a haven for pet owners and walkers.

But Councillor Keith Williams (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) claimed that tranquillity is being ruined by the youngsters, who are allegedly riding at speed on the pathways.

He said: “It is reckless, irresponsible and dangerous anti-social behaviour – they have reportedly been riding at speed near pedestrians.

“I was shocked and I have passed the picture on to the police, requesting they urgently find out who the bike riders are.

“We are hopeful someone will come forward. Any assistance from the public will be welcome. I hope the police will be able to confiscate the bike to set an example to all those illegally using the River Ray Parkway with motorbikes.”

PC Stacey McGarry, at West Point police station, said officers would be patrolling the area and potentially looking to seize the bike.

She said: “The youths are not known to police and we will be stepping up patrols to try to stop it happening. It is an offence to ride these bikes off-road and they are putting members of the public in danger.”

Anyone with any information should contact West Swindon Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.