Rampaging quad bikes evade Nottinghamshire Police on farmland around Bilsthorpe, Farnsfield and Rainworth and A614

Quad bikers are putting lives at risk and damaging crops.

A number of incidents have been reported to Nottinghamshire Police in recent weeks.

These culminated on Friday night/ Saturday morning with four quads travelling in convoy without lights on the A614 in an effort to evade police.

Sherwood beat manager, Pc Gary Sipson said the areas affected are predominantly around Bilsthorpe, Farnsfield and Rainworth.

He calculates the damage caused so far to crops and land to be in the region of £10,000 to £15,000.

It was late on Friday night and up until 5am Saturday morning that the force received reports of quad bikes tearing up farm land.

Officers responded and the quad riders ploughed through fencing to reach the A614 where they travelled without lights between the A617 bypass at Lockwell Hill and and Center Parcs at Rufford.

"While to some people it might seem like harmless fun, these people are causing serious damage to farmland and crops. You only have to speak to the land or business owner to appreciate that," said Pc Sipson.

"Many crops have just been planted out and will never grow where the tyres have torn them up and in some cases it isn't just tracks but whole areas where the riders have done doughnuts.

"There is also a serious risk to road safety in travelling down a road like the A614 without lights.

"This action could have resulted in a serious collision.

"It was also lucky that there was no livestock in the field where the fencing was destroyed.

"Otherwise we could have had livestock on the A614 as well that may well have resulted in a crash.

"The cost of replacing that fencing adds to the repair bill for local landowners."

The investigation into the activities of late Friday night until around 5am Saturday morning are ongoing.

While the quad riders successfully evaded the officers who were pursuing them, police did seize two vehicles they believe were used to transport the quads to the area.

Officers are investigating offences including criminal damage.

"This is something we treat very seriously," said Pc Sipson.

Witnesses have also told police they have seen quads deliberately chasing deer in recent weeks.

"While they haven't been seen to run down and kill any deer, they have appeared to have been taking pleasure from chasing them, which must be terrifying for these wild animals," Pc Sipson said.

Witnesses or anyone with information as to the identity of those responsible, or who saw the quads being transported, is asked to email Pc Sipson at gary.sipson@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk, ring the force on 101, or Crimestoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.

There is a also an issue with off-road bikes used in fields, footpaths and bridleways, notably on Sundays.