A TEENAGER has been arrested for riding an illegal motorbike.

Police in Winsford have arrested a 16-year-old boy after spotting him riding a motorcycle that was not road-legal.

Officers are now warning parents of children who own such bikes, to make sure they are using them responsibly.  

A spokesperson for the force said: “If you are the parent or guardian of a child who wants one of these bikes or already has one, it's your responsibility to make sure that they are using it at the appropriate time, in appropriate places and that you know all of the rules.

“We will automatically make a referral to partner agencies, including social services, if we catch your child using one of these where they shouldn't, and you won't be getting the bike back.

“Excuses such as ‘there's nowhere locally for them to ride the bikes’ is something that you should think of before allowing your child to become involved in this pastime.

“It's up to you to transport them in a van or using a trailer to a location where they are allowed to be used.”

The 16-year-old was spotted by officers in the Swanlow Lane and Beeston Drive area of Winsford.

At the same time, police received reports of two bikes being used in an area where children were playing.

The teenager, who was wearing a balaclava, attempted to get away from the officers but was soon caught and arrested for a number of offences before being taken to Middlewich Custody Suite.

The bike, which has now been sent to the crusher, is not road legal and the rider cannot get insurance or a licence to use it in public, including just pushing it along the pavement or road.

Police have urged anyone with information about people using such vehicles in the area, or where they are stored, to get in touch.

“We'll do our best to get them off the road and crushed,” the spokesperson added.