POLICE are looking for off-road vehicles that illegally entered and damaged parts of Delamere Forest last week.

Liam Kelly, from the Forestry Commission at Limere, Delamere Forest, reported an incident involving two 4x4 off-road vehicles in the forest.

He said the Forestry Commission is working with the police to find and confiscate the vehicles under section 59 of the police reform act 2002.

“It has recently been reported that we have had a number of late night incidents involving illegal vehicle use in the forest,” said Mr Kelly.

“These vehicles are starting to cause significant amounts of damage to the forest tracks and trails causing considerable damage and disturbance to forest users.

“Apart from the damage to the forest and wildlife there is a danger to forest users.

“In the event of you being disturbed by suspicious activity involving vehicles, please can we ask that you help us by calling the police and reporting any incidents with as much information as possible. Thanks for your help in keeping our forests safe.”

Inspector Keith Curbishley, from Western Rural Police, confirmed the incident occurred on Tuesday, February 4 between 6pm and 11pm.

“It would appear there have been two different 4x4 vehicles on the land by the tyre tracks that have been left as there are two different sets,” he added.

“With the land being so wet, that has compounded the damage that these vehicles have caused.

“I would suggest these vehicles have got onto the track at an unknown point and then have been irresponsibly driving around Delamere Forest.

“We have nothing to support our investigation at the moment, it’s a rural area and dwellings are few and far between, but we are making enquiries.

“If anyone saw a 4x4 off-road vehicle, perhaps a quad bike, in or around the Delamere Forest or Limere area we would welcome them getting in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101.