THREE off-duty police officers have been convicted of dangerous driving following a crash which left an 80-year-old man injured.

The three motorcyclists were travelling south in Chilgrove, near Chichester, when two collided with a red Ford Fiesta.

Two of the riders suffered multiple injuries, while the driver of the car, an 80-year-old man from Chichester, and his passenger sustained minor injuries.

At a hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court, the three motorcyclists pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

Based in Lewes, James Latter and Alan Harris, both aged 31, and Ahmet Yapicioz, 55, based at Gatwick, were charged with dangerous driving.

Yapicioz and Harris were also charged with driving at a speed exceeding 60mph.

All three pleaded guilty to the offences. Sentencing was adjourned for reports until April 8.

Chief Superintendent Jerry Westerman said: "Sussex Police strives to keep people safe on our roads and the reckless actions of these three individuals has caused harm to both themselves and others.

“They have rightly been held to account for their behaviour and we will continue to take action against all those that break the law and endanger the lives of others.

"These officers have failed to maintain the high standards Sussex Police expects of all its officers, on and off duty, and an internal misconduct investigation will now be completed."