An investigation is underway to find quad bikers who ripped up a village green in Buckinghamshire.

Pictures of the damage in Hedgerley show tyre marks on the recreation field, believed to have been caused by a group of between four and six men driving quad bikes and trikes.

A police spokesperson said the drivers had churned up the grass by spinning the wheels of their vehicles and ‘doing doughnuts’.

They told the Bucks Free Press: “They are reported to be coming in from Hedgerley Hill, entering the field and leaving onto Stevenson Road towards the White Horse Public House.”

Residents of the village have said they are fearful of the thugs, including one woman, who wished to remain anonymous for her safety.

She told the Free Press: “I personally didn’t see the men on the bikes at night but a man who lives on the village green had a word and they covered him and his car with mud.

“It’s really sad for the village as we all are quite proud, and all have a hand in the upkeep, so this was a horrible invasion of these senseless individuals who seem to take great pleasure in doing so. Hopefully with the police presence they may back off now.”

Residents reported that the quad bikers had ripped up the field in between Hedgerley Hill and Jones Way on October 14.

Another report said bikers also churned up the grass towards the shops at one end of the field by Cottage Park Road the following day.

Police are officially looking into three different incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage related to the use of quad bikes on the green and surrounding roads.

A letter sent to residents of the village last week read: “We do not wish to alarm you, but you may be able to help us catch those responsible and assist in preventing further offences in your neighbourhood.

“Do you know who they are? Did you see anything suspicious? Do you have any information which you believe may be connected to this offence? We would like to hear from you.”

Officers said they had received reports of three incidents last week, including at around 8:56pm on October 17, 8:10am on October 18 and 8:56pm on October 19.

They asked members of the public to call 101 or report information online, quoting 43240501675 (October 17), 43240502155 (October 18) and 43240503827 (October 19).