QUAD bike was seized by officers in Wickford as part of their response to anti-social driving in the town yesterday.

Officers were called to Wickford High Street at around 6.30pm on Saturday, 17 January following reports of quad bikes being driven dangerously.

Witnesses reported the bikes doing wheelies, causing cars to brake and riding on pavements.

Essex police officers attended the scene and one of them was dragged along by a bike as they attempted to apprehend the rider. He was injured but not seriously.

A police drone team attended to help try and locate the suspect quad vehicles from the air.

A police statement says: "We continue our enquiries to find those responsible, officers attended Wickford and spoke to businesses and residents and carried out patrols across the town.

"One vehicle thought to be involved was found in Cranfield Park Road and was seized by officers using their powers under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act, which allows for the seizure of vehicles used in anti-social driving."

Basildon District Commander, Chief Insp Paul Hogben, who was also out patrolling in Wickford today, Sunday, said: "We are aware that the quad bikes have been causing a nuisance in Wickford and we are determined to stop them.

"One of my officers bravely tried to do this on Saturday evening and ended up being dragged along the pavement. It is only good fortune that they were not seriously injured.

"Those responsible for this anti-social behaviour are reckless – they are putting pedestrians and other motorists at risk and it shows a complete lack of regard for the safety of others.

"Our investigations into the anti-social riding and the assault of our officer continue. We will continue seeking to root out those responsible and where we find their bikes, those bike will be coming with us."

A further statement adds: "If you have information about the incident on Saturday evening please contact us quoting incident 1039 of 17th January.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.

"Visit our website to find out more about our online reporting services. Alternatively you can call 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."