Footage that shows a 12-year-old cyclist being knocked down by a driver was removed by YouTube for being “shocking and disgusting”.

The CCTV video was released by Sussex Police as part of its road safety campaign and shows a young girl being struck by a silver Suzuki while sitting stationary in the middle of the road.

Yesterday the video was pulled down from the official Sussex Police YouTube page by moderators for being in violation of their terms of use policy and was deemed “shocking and disgusting”.

Yesterday a Sussex Police spokesman confirmed the force was contacted by YouTube when the content was flagged as inappropriate by users and the video was taken down.

The video had been viewed more than 30,000 times.

Bruises Sussex Police had released the footage, filmed in Bognor Road, Chichester, to draw attention to the risks motorists and cyclists face on the road, following a spate of deaths and injuries.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said it was believed people had lodged complaints against the video believing the girl on the bike had been seriously injured.

The 12-year-old actually escaped with just bumps and bruises.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “We have explained the reasons for the clips usage and the fact the girl was not seriously hurt.

“We stand by the use of the clip – it shows exactly what happens when you do not pay attention on the road.”

The driver of the car, Hugo Purchase, 42, a carer from Chichester, spoke out after the recording had been released in praise of the police appeal and their decision to release the CCTV.

A spokeswoman for YouTube said: “The video has been reinstated as it was removed in error by a member of the enforcement team.

“The uploaders have been notified.”