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Two quad bikes have been seized by police after reports of illegal off-roading on Gelligaer Common.

Gwent Police received reports of the quads “tearing up the mountainside” and heading towards Bargoed.

The force sent out its neighbourhood and rural crime officers, who intercepted the bikes near Heol Coedcae.

The two riders were issued with traffic offence reports.

Sgt Tom Brookes, of Gwent Police, said: “Our team is committed to tackling illegal off-roading, which causes significant environmental damage and can be a nuisance to animals and landowners, while also putting motorists and pedestrians at risk.

“These seizures demonstrate the importance of reporting. By giving descriptions of both the vehicles and riders, and the direction in which they were heading, we’ve been able to act quickly.”

Sgt Brooks continued: “As part of the team’s Respect Rhymney patrols, we’ve also recently put up ten new signs with the aim of gathering more information on those damaging local land through illegal off-roading.”

The signs display a QR code, which direct people to a form on the Gwent Police website, allowing the public to pass on details of riders and their vehicles.

Sgt Brookes added: “We’ve recently seen some mindless acts of vandalism in Rhymney involving off-road vehicles, with land ripped up and bus stops covered in mud.

“I’d encourage everyone who witnesses this reckless and selfish behaviour to report it to us, and be reassured that our team will do all we can to identify those responsible, seize their vehicles and hold them to account.”