Police have been accused of not putting words into action in the war against nuisance quad and off-road bikes in Bradford.

The claim came from Ian Morton, who said he witnessed a rider on off-road bike overtake a police car while doing a wheelie.

He said the out-of-control bike came towards his car on the wrong side of the road and forced him to swerve into a lay-by to avoid a head-on collision.

The drama happened last Saturday on Broadstone Way, Holme Wood – the same road where grandmother Elaine Booth had a quad bike driven at her and her grandson.

Mr Morton said: “There was a police car with two officers in the car who saw everything that happened. I was pretty shaken up and I put my hands up to the police officers and I asked them what they were going to do about it. The reply was 'nothing' and they drove off.”

He told the Telegraph & Argus that his life has been blighted by off-road and quad bikes for some time.

Mr Morton said: “The police tell you they want to put a stop to these ‘yob bikers’ but, in reality, they are not really that interested otherwise they would be a lot more proactive than they have been. I’ve given up calling the police because it is just a waste of time.”

In response, Inspector Andy Addy, of the Tong and Wyke neighbourhood policing team, said: “Although I am not aware of this particular incident, I would be happy to discuss any concerns Mr Morton may have face to face.

“As we have previously said, tackling the anti-social use of off road bikes is an absolute priority.

“These are not hollow words and are backed up by the fact we have made 141 seizures of vehicles in the last 12 months alone.

“Over the last few years we have run focused summertime operations to clampdown on those illegally using quads and bikes and it is our intention to continue with this action.

“We are in no way complacent and take the issues highlighted by residents very seriously.”