Police are warning parents about the dangers of buying mini motorbikes for their children this Christmas.

Advice leaflets are being made available at shops, libraries, police stations, community centres and other venues.

Mini motorbikes have become the latest "must-have" but have also become a national nuisance.

The machines, which can be bought for less than £150, are being ridden illegally along roads, pavements and car parks. In Sussex there has already been one death involving a mini motorbike.

Officers have become increasingly concerned about the popularity of the 49cc machines following a growing number of complaints about people riding them illegally in public places.

They are classed as ordinary road vehicles and need to be registered with the DVLA, taxed, insured and have the correct lights fitted to be legally ridden. Riders must also be over 16 and hold a valid driving licence. Because of the size of the motorbikes, it is unlikely the DVLA would even register them for use as they are considered too small to use safely on public roads. The only place they can be ridden is on private property with the landowner's permission.

Adur antisocial behaviour coordinator Pam Bushby, said: "Young people are susceptible to advertising. These are not toys. They are vehicles and as such people should be aware of how they must be used."