A DRONE unit was used to track down a motorcyle that was being ridden illegally on Harnham Hill over the weekend.

At about 2pm on Saturday, the police were made aware of the rider and tracked and recovered the motorcycle from the scene after it had been abandoned by the driver. 

Inspector Tina Osborn said: “We are aware of ongoing antisocial behaviour in the Harnham Hill area regarding motorcycles being ridden illegally. We are determined to tackle those engaging in this sort of irresponsible activity.

“On this occasion, at about 2pm on Saturday, we were able to make use of available resources, including a drone unit, to track and recover a scrambler motorcycle from the scene after it had been abandoned by the rider.

“Active enquiries are ongoing to identify the person involved.”

Wiltshire Police is appealing for the owner of the motorbike to make themselves known. 

It added: "We are also asking anyone with information about this incident to call us on 101 quoting log 54230007233.

"You can also leave information anonymously by calling CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111."

Eleanor Wills, Salisbury City councillor for Harnham West, said it is "completely unacceptable for a small minority of motorcyclists to use the path as a dirt track".

Cllr Wills added: "A huge thank you to residents and our local neighbourhood police team in Harnham for the successful operation launched on Saturday to address the issue of illegal motorbike ridding on Harnham Hill.

"Since I was elected last July, this has been a huge source of correspondence and every time there are motorbikes out on the Hill residents rightly contact me with their concerns. It’s been great working with Salisbury Police, Salisbury City Council and Wiltshire Council not just on the response this weekend but on longer term, sustainable deterrents. It’s time to do things differently locally and I’m glad we’ve had this outcome.”