The mini motorbike craze sweeping Sussex is causing headaches for residents and police.

These two machines were seized by police in Worthing after they were ridden dangerously.

In the last two months, police have confiscated six mini motorbikes and given 32 warnings in the Adur district.

Three more were seized and 24 warnings were issued in Worthing. Six warnings have been issued in Littlehampton and four more were seized and 19 warnings given in Bognor.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "These figures are being mirrored almost everywhere else in the county.

"The bikes may be great fun but owners must realise they are motor vehicles and, as such, must be used within the confines of the laws like all others."

Police reported mini motorbikes, which can travel up to 30mph, were being ridden too fast on roads and pavements, scaring pedestrians.

Riders often had no safety helmets, licences or insurance.

The spokeswoman warned: "Should a rider repeatedly have his bike seized, police will seek to obtain an antisocial behaviour order against him or her."

Earlier this year a 32-year-old man in Middleton, Bognor, suffered a double fracture of a leg when he lost control of his mini motorbike.

The spokeswoman said: "These mini motorbikes are designed to be ridden off-road and are potentially dangerous when ridden on a road without any protective clothing.

"Bikes ridden on a public road must be registered with the DVLA, taxed and fitted with a number plate, lights and brakes. The rider must also hold a valid driving licence, be insured and wear a motorcycle helmet."

Inspector Martin Pattenden said: "Parents and guardians need to address where their children are going to ride these mini motorbikes lawfully before they buy them."

Police community support officer Michelle Shepherd, from Worthing, said: "Mini motorbikes are attracting a lot of complaints.

"We have the power to confiscate a bike if the rider has already been warned but continues to ride in an antisocial way or causes alarm, distress and annoyance to others.

"The rider must pay £129 to have it recovered and £15 each day that it is in a compound.

"I would suggest youngsters ride at Brooklands Go-Cart and Mini Moto Club on the A259 Brighton Road, East Worthing, which has a 275 metre track."