Beauty spot ripped up by cars and bikes - police

Parts of a nature reserve have been ripped up and damaged due to people riding quad bikes and cars on it and also fly-tipping rubbish, police said.

Drivers of 4x4s and off-road bike riders were warned by West Mercia Police to stay off Hartlebury Common, just outside Stourport-on-Severn in Worcestershire.

The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, meaning it is a protected due to the wild plants there as well as species of moths and butterflies, according to experts.

Extra police patrols have been brought in for the common and a spokesperson for the force said they would work with Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council to protect the land.

Security was also being reviewed in the areas, they added.

"Further visits and patrols will be conducted, and we are warning members of the public that if anyone is witnessed causing damage to the land, then they can be fined by the council," Sgt Cathy Atkinson said.

"Anyone caught driving on the land will be dealt with by police for traffic offences. Vehicles may also be seized."

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