Residents have been left furious after off-road bikers have taken over a County Durham park and destroyed the grass area - leaving some frightened to return to the playing field. 

Council and police officers have received numerous reports of off-road bikers taking over Oakies Park playing field in Stanley over the last few weeks - with locals voicing their concerns with the vandalism.

After putting up with the nuisance for the last few weeks, Durham County Council's wardens have posted a picture of the aftermath of the field, which shows tyre marks and churned up grass, with the caption: "Can you help us with information regarding off-road bikes riding illegally on Oakies Park, playing field in Stanley?"

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The post adds: "Not only are they a danger to themselves and other members of the public but this is the mess of the grass that they leave behind.

"If you have any information that can assist us, please contact us on 03000 260 000.

"If you spot an off-road bike please contact 101 at the time of happening."

Following the council wardens sharing the post, residents took to social media to hit out at those responsible - branding them "selfish" and some highlighting that they're too afraid to go to that particular park. 

Commenting on the post, one person said: "You know, I get sick of bikers they're up and down Durham Road and Lenin Terrace - they speed that fast I hope they all get caught as they have no respect for anyone or anything."

However, one social media user feels that the issue is the lack of places for off-road bikers to go - with one person saying: "They need somewhere to ride; nothing ever gets done for riders to ride. I think someone with a bit of know how could sort it out."