POLICE today condemned the actions of hunt supporters who daubed giant slogans on the carriageway surfaces of the county's busiest roads.

Roads and bridges near York and in Ryedale have been targeted by pro-hunting activists - and police say those behind the Hands Off Hunting graffiti put their own lives, and those of motorists, at risk.

Highways experts are hoping to remove the giant slogans as soon as possible, fearing drivers could crash while distracted by them.

Campaigners in favour of hunting have been stepping up their activities in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, more than 60 people ambushed Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael near Flamborough Head, to question him about why he wants to ban hunting.

There is no suggestion that the same people are behind the graffiti attacks, and hunting groups in Ryedale and York claim they have no knowledge of the culprits.

But some said they supported the protest's sentiment.

The spray-painted slogans have appeared on the western side of the A64 at Whitwell-on-the-Hill and on the B1248 at North Grimston.

They have also appeared on the sides of bridges over the A64 around York, and on the carriageway surface of the A64 and the A1 motorway at Bramham, near Tadcaster.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said the force was aware of the slogans, which started appearing about a week ago.

"It would appear they are doing it at night. On one morning we found about six of them on roads," he said.

"We have contacted the Highways Department with a view to getting them removed.

"There is a serious danger that motorists will be distracted by attempting to read what the slogans say as they are driving. It is grossly irresponsible."

Andrew Osbourne, joint master of the Sinnington Hunt, said he had no idea who had done it.

"I understand that for some people their frustration may have boiled over to action," he said.

"This is to show they will not be trampled on by this bullying urban Government."

Jeremy Timm, senior master for the York and Ainsty South Hunt, said he did not support this form of action.

"I agree with the sentiment of the slogan. There is a lot of frustration about as a result of what the Government is trying to do.

"However I think that this sort of protest does not move the debate on in any way," he said.

Updated: 11:26 Monday, May 20, 2002