THE police helicopter has been scrambled to help in the hunt for a suspected stolen motorcycle.

Two teenagers, believed to be aged 13 or 14, were seen riding the bike in Coombe Road, Brighton, at around 8.48am on Monday.

Police were alerted as they did not appear to have proper control of the machine in the icy conditions and were not wearing crash helmets, a force spokesman said.

Officers on the ground were unable to locate the duo but around 90 minutes later they were spotted in the area of Selsfield Road and Bear Road.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "There were now three youths on the grey Honda CG125-4, which had been reported as stolen from Clermont Terrace between 12.30 and 7am on Friday (December 2)."

The helicopter was called in but was unable to locate them.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police via email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting serial 208 of December 5.