Poilce are sending warning letters to suspected boy racers in Eastbourne.

It is part of a renewed effort to rid the seaside town of the racers who have plagued residents for years.

Their rubber-burning wheel-spins, loud thumping music and foul language have driven residents to distraction.

Some have left the resort just months after moving in.

Boy racers were driven out of Eastbourne following a police operation late last year but a few have returned.

Now newly-installed Eastbourne district commander Chief Inspector Peter Mills has pledged to remove the menace drivers.

Letters warning persistent offenders their vehicles may be seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act have gone to one suspected racer in Hailsham and three in Eastbourne.

More letters are to be sent to registered owners soon.

The letters are being sent after residents asked police at a question and answer session if they would consider invoking the legislation to seize the vehicles.

Mr Mills said: "We aim to nip the problem in the bud by using this legislation.

"It is really as a result of the residents we decided to give it a go.

"We have sent some letters. If they persist then we will invoke the legislation and their vehicles will be seized."

The campaign to rid areas like Devonshire Place, Trinity Trees, Hartington Place and Hyde Gardens of the racers has been led by the Memorial Square Residents' Action Group.

The group, which represents 500 residents, raised a 15,000-name petition which was taken to Downing Street demanding more police on Eastbourne's streets.

Group chairman Brian Jones, of Trinity Trees, said: "We are delighted the police are talking to us and keeping us up-to-date."