THE shocking moment when more than 25 scrambler bikes took over St Helens Linkway was caught on camera by a Star reader.

This video captured by Lesley Fewtrell, from Clock Face, who was stunned at the dangerous antics of the riders, which included scramblers heading on to the wrong side of road and doing wheelies.

Some of those on the scramblers were not wearing any helmets.

After Lelsey posted the videos to social media, more than 175 people left comments sharing her concerns.

Lesley, 55, said: "When I saw them I thought what's going on here and told my husband to hold back because they were not driving safe and doing wheelies.

"They didn't stop at the McDonald's roundabout and people had to slam on before they went down Burtonhead Road.

"When we got into town they cut us up as well.

"I was really shocked and think that something needs to be done. You're even scared to challenge them because it's reported so often about people having knives, it's just not worth it.

"I'm not against people using bikes at all but surely not on main roads like that, it was strong winds yesterday as well and all I kept thinking was if one of them doing wheelies fell off it could be a serious, serious situation for them and car drivers."

After the post was shared to the Facebook group, People of St Helens, fellow residents shared their dismay at the videos.

Mark Tyrer said: "You know if your child has a bike! You know if your neighbour's child has a bike!

"These bikes are illegal on the public road, dangerous in the wrong hands and are mostly stolen – so do the right thing.

"Unfortunately the police know who most of the thieves are but it is a low priority crime."

Helen Grimshaw added: "So glad someone caught this on camera! We are in the silver Zafira that stops at the roundabout, with a child and a baby in the car.

"I couldn't wait for them to get passed us."

Police confirmed officers received reports of around 20 off-road motorbikes being driven in an anti-social manner on Saturday.

A police statement read: "An initial report was received at 12.45pm in Lancashire after damage was caused to a police vehicle.

"Merseyside Police were advised by Lancashire police that they were seen riding in the direction of Kirkby and were seen being ridden against traffic and on pavements.

"It was subsequently reported the bikes were being ridden on the Linkway in St Helens, shortly after 2.10pm.

"Officers are continuing enquiries into the incident and are appealing for information on the identity of the riders and where the bikes are being stored."

Chief Inspector Gary O’Rourke said: “We know how frustrating it is for other road users to see scrambler bike riders riding on pavements, through red lights and creating a general nuisance.

“We know members of the community may on occasion see police officers or vehicles in the area of such incidents and wonder why we don't always pursue them.

“I would like to reassure people who see and report these incidents that action can and is being taken on a regular basis.

“We have multiple tactics that we can use to identify and prosecute people for the illegal use of off-road bikes.

"We are supported in this by the National Police Air Service helicopter, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, and housing authorities. We all share a commitment to eradicating this problem and work closely together on a daily basis, sharing information about issues affecting people in our communities.

"We always encourage people to tell us who is using these bikes and where they are stored, as seizing the bikes where they are stored is the easiest and safest way to remove bikes from our streets. I want to thank those members of the community who have come forward with information about these incidents, and we will be carrying out further enquiries to identify those responsible.”

Anyone who witnessed the bikes is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online/