YOUTHS on motorbikes who cause annoyance to residents are to be targeted by Neighbourhood Police Officers.

Earlestown and Newton is now better equipped to deal with reports of the anti-social use of off-road bikes thanks to the introduction of a new quad bike.

The quad bike is fully liveried and is road legal, as well as being geared for off-road work over rough and uneven terrain.

As a result, two youths aged 15 and 16 from Newton were summoned for having no insurance and no driving licence. The bike was seized.

Steve Blackburn, director of Maritime Housing, which is working in partnership with the police, said: "We are pleased to see the bike has made such an immediate impact. As a major landlord in the Newton area, the Regenda Group was keen to fund the bike so that it would help to reduce incidents of anti social behaviour and our residents would feel safer in their neighbourhoods."

Anybody with information about those riding anti-socially should call Merseyside Police on 0151 709 6010 or Cimestoppers anonymously in 0800 555 111.