Fears over 'untouchable' off

Off-road bikers are leaving communities living in fear, a councillor has said.

Electric motorbikes have become increasingly popular throughout County Durham, particularly in rural areas, and have been blamed for anti-social and dangerous driving.

Darlington councillor Gerald Lee said: "The problem is they appear and disappear so quickly. My main concern is the public's lack of confidence in the police."

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Graham Hall told a police panel the local force had a plan to "address off-road motorcycles".

David Boyes, Durham County councillor for Easington, said he often saw young men in ski masks driving at dangerous speeds on residential roads.

"They think they're untouchable, and the community does now too, because the police cannot chase after them," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Durham Constabulary uses officers on similar bikes to respond to reports and is also using drones to identify suspects.

Trimdon and Thornley councillor Lucy Hovvels said she had "come across a lot of people who are living in fear".

Hovvels added signage aimed at deterring bikers was often ripped down or ignored and the metal barriers installed in hotspot areas was not "containing the issue".

"The damage being done really annoys people and the huge costs come back onto the council," she said.

"I see it on a daily basis and we don't seem to be solving it."