A lorry without front brakes was driven to a West Sussex market from Hertfordshire.

It was one of five market traders' vehicles taken off the road after a police check discovered they had serious mechanical faults.

The vehicles were stopped and examined by Sussex traffic police officers and the Vehicle Inspectorate as they headed towards Ford market, near Arundel.

Among the unroadworthy vehicles was a 7.5-tonne lorry towing a trailer which had been driven from Hertfordshire. It was found to have no front brake shoes.

Others had faulty tyres and brakes or missing wheel nuts.

Staff from Customs and Excise and West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Department also took part in the operation, checking goods due to be sold at the market.

Six items of suspected counterfeit brand clothing were seized.

PC Bernie Belford said: "In the run-up to Christmas we will be continuing to aim to reduce casualties on the roads in Sussex by carrying out high-visibility roadside checks like this one.

"We will also be joined by staff from other agencies such as trading standards and Customs and Excise to ensure everybody has a safe and enjoyable time both on the roads and elsewhere."