TWO people were arrested, including a man who allegedly assaulted a police officer, during a successful police operation targetting the anti-social use of vehicles in a Bradford area.

Bradford South Neighbourhood Policing Team, with the support of the Roads Policing Unit and the Proactive Intercept Teams, carried out the day of action in Holme Wood and Bierley on Thursday.

Matthew Page, 20, of Hyne Avenue, was charged on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and causing criminal damage. He was bailed to appear at Bradford Magistrates Court on July 27.

A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and document offences. He’s been released under investigation.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Quads and motorbikes were recovered by officers.Quads and motorbikes were recovered by officers.

In total, forty vehicles were stopped and three vehicles were seized on the day.

Nine tickets were issued for driving offences and one driver was reported for summons to court.

Seven people were stopped and searched for various offences.

Over the last few weeks, a number of stolen bikes and quads have been seized and recovered from across the Bradford South area.

Tong Ward Councillor Matt Edwards said: “The anti-social behaviour around the shops in Holme Wood has been making the lives of people nearby miserable for a while now.

"I have been speaking to a lot of residents and business owners about this and I am pleased to see the police have taken decisive action.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The subject is close to Councillor Matt Edwards' heart.The subject is close to Councillor Matt Edwards' heart.

"This isn’t a one-hit wonder and I know the police have similar things planned to follow up.

“One of the fundamental problems in estates like Holme Wood is that there is just nothing for teenagers to do.

"Ultimately if we want to tackle problems like this, we need to look at ways to give them something to do.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The operation proved a huge success.The operation proved a huge success.

Inspector Andy Thornton, head of Bradford South NPT, said: “We have taken action after a number of community concerns were raised by local residents who are fed up with the behaviour of a minority who drive these vehicles and inflict misery on the wider community.

“We are committed to tackling this type of behaviour and work is ongoing by ourselves and our partner agencies to ensure we explore every possible avenue to take positive action against any individual involved.

“I would continue to appeal to the local community to report this type of behaviour to the police and the council.

"Information relating to the storage locations of these illegal and nuisance vehicles such as quad bikes is particularly useful."