Police cautions for off-road riders

Trio also have competition licences suspended

Three off-road motorbikers have had their competition licenses suspended  and been given a police caution, after being spotted riding on heathland protected for wildlife.

Thery were seen by a shepherd and reported but they then owned up to the police.

The penalty double whammy means the three are subject to a lengthy suspension from their sport.

It follows an investigation involving the police, the Isle of Man Centre of the Auto Cycle Union and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

The police cautions came under Road Traffic legislation.

Gary Thompson of the ACU  says they will be banned from any ACU events until the suspension expires, and that's here on the Island and in the UK.

The three were in the south on the Round Table, near the Rushen Mines in an area called Cross Vein.

It's heathland where hen harriers and curlews breed.

It happened in the spring, when upland birds start choosing breeding areas.

Also possibly disturbed would have been lambing ewes, and that's apart from damage to sensitive habitats with rare plants.

The police say theres a clear message - not to ride unless you get the landowner's permission.