A FAMILY whose pedigree dog was run over by an off-road motorcyclist was still waiting last night to find out if she would survive.

Five-year-old Flame, an Irish red setter bitch, was hit on a bridle path near Green Lane, Whinfield, Darlington, by a youth on a trail bike on Monday.

People living near the accident spot said yesterday they had told police last week about dangerous quad bikers.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: "For months and months now this has been going on and every time we phone the police we get no response.

"Last Monday, members of Whinfield Residents' Association wrote to the police to say that this was an accident waiting to happen.

"It's very, very lucky that this time it wasn't a child who was hit."

Another resident said teenage bikers regularly rode up and down the playing fields, with no regard for safety.

"It has become a no-go area, especially for children," she said.

"We have had meetings about it, told the council and called the police numerous times, but it is still going on."

Vets treating Flame have yet to decide if she will have to be destroyed. The dog, which has appeared at Cruft's, has a chipped back bone and a broken ankle.

Owner Kevin Swainston, 52, of Muirkirk Grove, had plastic surgery on his lip yesterday because Flame bit him after being injured.

Mr Swainston's wife, Elizabeth, 49, said: "We still don't know if we have lost her and still can't get out heads around what has happened. We are devastated."

Officers in the town have launched an operation to catch illegal off-road bikers.

Force motorcyclists will patrol known areas of activity and people are asked to telephone (01325) 467681 if they see a bike being driven illegally.

l Last night a youth was arrested in connection with the incident and a motorbike was seized following information received from the public.

Two other off-road motorcycles have also been seized by police in Darlington as part of a separate operation.