Assistance requested by Keighley police

[meles meles]

THREE quad bikers are being hunted by police after a rifle was stolen. The weapon was snatched from a gamekeeper's vehicle while he was involved in a confrontation with one of the bikers.

Armed police swooped on Ilkley Road, at West Morton, when the alarm was raised at about 4.45pm on Sunday. They searched the area, helped by the force helicopter, but the suspects escaped. The rifle, which was not believed to be loaded, was later located and recovered.

A police spokesman said: "The complainant had heard quad bikes being ridden on the moors and went to investigate. A confrontation then took place during which one of the suspects stole the rifle. The three suspects then made off from the scene. No-one was hurt during the incident."

The first man is described as young, possibly Asian, about 6ft tall and slim. He was wearing an orange helmet, dark clothing and gloves. Both his accomplices are believed to be white. One was wearing a balaclava and the other is of stocky build and had a helmet.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC1734 Ineson on 101, quoting the reference number 13160175233.