A HORDE of dangerous motorbike riders were tackled by police as they rode through Sussex.

As many as 80 were seen riding through Maresfield and Little Horsted on Sunday afternoon.

The police helicopter was scrambled along with enforcement officers and roads policing officers.

Images from the chopper show some riders travelling four-abreast across the A22, and others riding on the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic.

Some of the bikers were stopped using stop sticks, and four arrests were made.

Two of those arrested attempted to flee.

Four arrests were made as a police helicopter was scrambled to intercept 80 motorbike riders travelling dangerous in Maresfield, Sussex

Four arrests were made as a police helicopter was scrambled to intercept 80 motorbike riders travelling dangerous in Maresfield, Sussex

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder said seven motorbikes were seized.

He said: “The vast majority of motorcyclists who travel around Sussex do so in a sensible manner. However there are a small minority of bikers who believe they can drive in a disrespectful manner on the roads.

“This behaviour is completely unacceptable and causes upset and danger to local communities and road users.

“We will not tolerate this sort of riding and we will continue to robustly deal with those that flout the law.

Four arrests were made as a police helicopter was scrambled to intercept 80 motorbike riders travelling dangerous in Maresfield, Sussex

Four arrests were made as a police helicopter was scrambled to intercept 80 motorbike riders travelling dangerous in Maresfield, Sussex

“The safety of our communities is paramount and working with our local policing colleagues and partners, we will use all available tactics to take these riders and their bikes off our streets."

Sussex Police confirmed a 21-year-old man from Dorset was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop.

A 22-year-old man from Barking was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

Four arrests were made as a police helicopter was scrambled to intercept 80 motorbike riders travelling dangerous in Maresfield, Sussex

Four arrests were made as a police helicopter was scrambled to intercept 80 motorbike riders travelling dangerous in Maresfield, Sussex

Meanwhile a 26-year-old man from Islington was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving while disqualified.

Finally a 17-year-old boy from Edenbridge was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving without insurance, two counts of driving without a licence, possession of a class B drug, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

All the men were released on police bail until April 25.

Anyone who witnessed the dangerous riding or captured anything on dashcam or CCTV can report it online to Sussex Police or call 101 quoting Operation Favour.