Three teenage boys have had their off-road bikes seized in an operation by police to target nuisance riders in Dover.

Operation Freedown involved the police off-road motorcycle team and neighbourhood officers PC Ian Belsey and PC Karen Robson to Ewell Minnis and River areas.

It followeda number of complaints from local residents about off-road motorcycles being used near their homes causing noise nuisance and a danger to pedestrians.

The boys, aged 16 and 17, had their vehicles seized for riding across a public footpath without insurance.

Police officers and PCSOs have the power to issue Section 59 warnings to riders committing offences, which means if they are caught doing the same again, they can have their bikes confiscated.

Sgt Guy Thompson of the Community Safety Unit said: “Off-road bikes cause a real nuisance to local residents due to the noise and the potential danger to pedestrians and other vehicles.

“We will be out targeting nuisance and illegal riding during the summer, so if it is a problem where you live, contact your neighbourhood officer and give them the details.” He added.

The Dover neighbourhood Policing Team can be contacted on 01304 218110.