POLICE say they have increased high-visibility patrols in response to concerns over illegal off-road bike use.

The Star reported yesterday that quad bike patrols were put in place in Thatto Heath following community concerns.

St Helens Police have said on Facebook on Sunday evening that they stepped up their presence in various locations across the borough in response to the issue.

This includes the Dream site at Sutton Manor and the ex-Parkside Colliery in Newton-le-Willows.

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A statement by police said: "Local officers have been providing high visibility today (Sunday) on quad bikes, in a number of locations that you report to us as concerns or where there is clear illegal off road bike use.

"The Dream site in Sutton and Parkside Colliery in Newton are just a couple of locations where we have been."

It added: "Other locations checked today include Victoria Park, Queens Park, Four Acre estate, Thatto Heath Park, Sutton Mill Dam, Bold Colliery, King George Park in Haydock, Lyme and Wood Pit, Fosters park, Nine Arches and Sankey valley canal.

"You can report off road bikes on 101, @MerpolCC on Twitter, or via https://crowd.in/iraZhn".