MASKED bikers are causing havoc in a popular Darlington park.

The bikers in balaclavas are churning up fields in Hundens Park, near Eastbourne School, and deliberately spraying mud on houses.

The park is also popular with young footballers - prompting fears someone could soon be injured.

The vandals are tearing up fields on heavy, road-legal quad bikes. Deep track marks are visible from The Causeway to McMullen Road.

Residents believe those responsible are in the mid-20s, or older. Hundens Park is also popular with youngsters on mini motorbikes.

One resident of The Broadway, which backs on to Hundens Park, has his fence regularly covered in mud by the quads.

"You hear the familiar rumble, then they're riding right up to my fence, getting mud everywhere," said the man, who did not wish to be named.

"It's like a farmyard muck-spreader has been. I had only cleaned my fence last Saturday, and they came back on Sunday evening.

"One of them had a ski mask, the other was wearing a hat. They're grinning like hyenas.

Coun Ian Haszeldine, who represents Lingfield ward, has met police and community wardens to discuss the problem. He is now calling on residents to help catch the bikers.

"Where I live, I can hear the bikers but can't see them," Coun Haszeldine said. "I rely on residents to keep me informed.

"The police told me if we can catch them, they would be prepared to take the strongest action, including prosecution."

"It is just out and out, sheer vandalism," he said. "It is anti-social behaviour at its worst.

Sgt Mark Ralphs, of Darlington Police east beat team, said: "We have traffic orders which we can issue to anyone using a vehicle in an anti-social way.

"If they are stopped after that warning we can seize the vehicle."