TWO e-scooters and an e-bike have been seized following Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) patrols in Thurrock.

The first e-scooter seizure took place on Wednesday (19 August) after reports of anti-social riding in the Defoe Parade area of Chadwell St Mary.

Officers saw a scooter parked up and a check of local CCTV confirmed it was the one involved.

A second e-scooter was seized in Tilbury. The rider attempted to evade officers but was caught in King George's Park.

While this was being dealt with, an e-bike rider who'd previously been warned by officers was seen riding in an anti-social manner on a public road. He was stopped and had his bike taken.

A police statement after the seizures said: "It is only legal to use an e-scooter on private land or in one of the cities that are part of a government-regulated scheme.

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"E-bikes that can travel beyond 15.5mph and are powered without having to pedal are classed as mopeds or motorbikes and require driving licences, tax and insurance.

"The e-bike and both e-scooters were seized for lack of insurance."

Sgt Rob Mackenzie added: "The issue of e-bikes and e-scooters is regularly raised with us when we're out on patrol.

"We've seen examples of them being used recklessly and in the wrong hands they are incredibly dangerous. If you don't have the legal right to ride them, they will be taken and destroyed."