A GAY pick-up spot is being targeted by police.
Officers are stepping up patrols in a part of Washington that has been posted as a meeting place on websites.
Quiet country track Follingsby Lane has been flagged up on a number of sites as the perfect place for men to meet other men for sex.
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n a bid to stop this, officers from Washington Neighbourhood Policing Team will carry out regular patrols along the stretch of road.
They have issued a stark warning that tough action will be taken against anyone who is caught having sex in public.
Drivers whose cars are found parked in the area also face a home visit from police.
Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Willett said: "We have seen an increase in the number of men attending this area of Washington for the purposes of meeting for sex.
"Our officers will be conducting regular patrols and taking action against anyone committing public sex acts in this area of Washington or for the purposes of meeting for sex.
"Our patrols will be taking the registration of any vehicles suspiciously parked in the area and the owners of these vehicles may be subject to a home visit by one of our officers.
"We will also be contacting the administrators of those websites, on which the area is being posted as a meeting point, to warn those using the sites of the consequences they will face if visiting the area for this purpose."
The Washington Wetland Centre was contacted by horrified Government staff who witnessed a couple having sex as they returned to their cars, parked at an overspill car park used by Centre visitors as well as Inland Revenue staff at Waterside Park, after work.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 03456 043043.