Warwickshire Police has confirmed that the use of off-road motorbikes to help tackle rural crime has been paused over financial considerations.

County Cllr Scott Cameron recently launched a petition for the bikes to be brought back into use, alleging rural crime police officers had become "frustrated" by a decision that leaves them "unable to fulfil the requirements of their job effectively".

He also claimed officers had been "prevented" from engaging in off-road pursuits or intercepting offenders prior to the bikes being withdrawn.

In a statement, Warwickshire Police confirmed its use of off-road bikes is "presently paused while we perform a cost-benefit analysis for our residents" but added that "rural crime officers have never used off-road motorbikes to pursue offenders", explaining that other officers on motorbikes or in cars "with the correct training and vehicles" take up pursuits when necessary.

The statement adds: "Rural crime officers have access to off-road vehicles and they are supported by drones and the National Police Air Service where needed. No area of Warwickshire is off limits to them or the wider force.

"We have no statistical evidence that using off-road bikes has a marked impact on the detection or prevention of crime."

In his petition, Cllr Cameron said he had been told by Warwickshire's Police & Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe (Con) that the off-road bikes had "removed from service due to reaching the end of their usable life".

The force says they have not been decommissioned but placed in "safe storage in recent months".

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"The bikes are at a point of age and service where their use has been paused while we consider whether to continue using them, replace them or not replace them," read the response.

Warwickshire Police added that no offer had been made by, nor had there been any discussions with, Surron about providing replacement bikes, and that any negotiations would have to be carried out in line with procurement rules.

"We have not been formally offered electric bikes by any company," read the statement.

"Any offer of vehicles would be carefully considered as it would require additional training and a dedicated budget to ensure they are kept to the high standard of maintenance required of police vehicles."

Cllr Cameron's petition surpassed 150 signatures in five days. It can be accessed online here.