An e-scooter has been seized by police officers as the force cracks down on their illegal use.

PC Coomber from the Medway Beat team took the vehicle yesterday afternoon following repeated reports of anti-social behaviour in Twydall, Gillingham.

The force said the riders were given “warning after warning” but eventually left the officer with no other option but to confiscate the e-scooter.

Speaking previously, the police's head of prevention, Superintendent Pete Steenhuis, said where necessary, officers will take “proportionate action” to deal with e-scooter riders.

He urged would-be riders to familiarise themselves with the law before buying an e-scooter.

Supt Steenhuis added: “Should an officer come across an e-scooter being used incorrectly, they will first seek to educate the rider and encourage them to adhere to the legislation.

“This approach has helped to educate people, especially young people, about the dangers of their use.

“If riders refuse to follow advice, or if they are seen using an e-scooter in a dangerous or anti-social manner, we will use our powers to seize the vehicle and take further enforcement action where appropriate.”

It comes after Kent Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Scott said they should be seized and crushed if ridden on public streets.

The electric vehicles are illegal to ride on any land not privately owned - unless in a town or city covered by a government trial.

The conclusion of Kent’s only pilot scheme, in Canterbury, in November last year signalled the end of any lawful e-scooter use on public land across the county.

The machines are considered Personal Light Electric Vehicles, so are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same rules as cars, mopeds and motorbikes.