A SPORTS club in Poole has issued a desperate plea to stop the ‘dangerous’ bike racing taking place across its pitches.

Poole Rugby Football Club (Poole RFC) said the riding of motorbikes, pit bikes, quad bikes and mopeds at Turlin Moor Recreation Ground ‘has to stop’ before someone is ‘injured or worse’.

Youths have reportedly been riding through the pitches at top speed and without any protective clothing or helmets, and often carrying passengers.

Poole RFC claims the racers have been using its grounds for ‘many years’ and have ‘absolutely no consideration for anyone using the area’.

A spokesperson for the club told the Daily Echo: “On a Sunday we have in excess of 100 children aging between four and 13 and their coaching staff using the fields and at all times there are members of the public out walking their dogs and families out with young children.

“In the past they have even ventured onto the pitches during a match with total disregard for players and spectators.

“The damage they cause, especially at this time of year is of particular concern as they carve dangerous deep ruts through the soft surface of the turf which can cause serious ankle injuries to rugby players.

“I am confident that there is no malice from these youths, just a lack of forethought.

“In 2020 there was a terrible tragedy when a young local lad crashed his pit bike into the railings surrounding one of the football pitches and sadly lost his life. I would hate for anyone else to be injured or worse.”

In a Facebook post on Christmas Day, Poole RFC said its wish for the new year was for the racing to stop.

The club wrote: “Merry Christmas one and all. Our hope and wish this year from the local community is to consider the safety of our women, men and most importantly children who use the pitches at Poole RFC on Turlin Moor.

“The use of motorbikes and quad bikes on our pitches has to stop.

“Thanks in advance we hope you have a lovely Christmas break."