No, it's not aliens in Conisbrough - it's off-road bikers

The damage has been caused by off-roaders accessing the field on the A630 to get to the nearby Steatley quarry, a police spokeswoman said

Officers in the area have issued a warning to those responsible that extra patrols by the local neighbourhood team and off-road bikers are taking place to tackle the issue.

Earlier this week, the off-road bike team stopped a rider as he left the quarry and seized his bike on the spot, the spokeswoman said.

The local neighbourhood team are also acting on recent intelligence about the movements of various groups.

Insp Adrian Luscombe from the Doncaster West Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "This type of offence is heart-breaking for farmers and it’s also really costly for them to repair.

"We have seen an increase in incidents of damage and dangerous driving in the last few weeks and it’s unacceptable.

"These photos show the extent of damage done from the sky. That isn't a path through the field - that's damage been caused solely by off-road bikers accessing the land when they shouldn't be. 

“I would like those responsible to know that we are watching, and we are taking action.

"This week our off-road bike team have been on patrol around Conisbrough to help support our routine operations and work.”

In December, the off-road bike team team carried out eight operations across Doncaster.

Six riders were reported for driving offences, 12 riders were issued with warnings and nine vehicles were seized worth more than £32,000. 

The off-road bike team works with the Associated National Farmers Agency and the force’s new rural crime team to gather intelligence against those causing issues, the police spokeswoman said.

Insp Lunscombe said: "If you’re caught and stopped with no insurance or license, you will lose your bike and you could be reported on summons and have a trip to court.

“When you’re riding over a field to get your kicks on your bike, you’re destroying someone’s livelihood, the crops that put food on their table and yours.

“Think about that and think twice about what you’re doing.”

Anyone with information about off-road bikers can call 101 or make a report online. Officers are encouraging people to submit as much detail as possible, so they can shape their patrol plans.