A motorcyclist has had his off-road machine seized by police after he refused to stop riding on Dunster Beach when asked to do so by concerned holiday-makers.

Police were called and after seeing evidence of the rider’s antisocial behaviour on the beach from a drone unit, they took possession of the Red Bull mini-scrambler bike which will now be destroyed.

A Minehead neighbourhood police spokesman said there had been numerous reports of the bike being ridden on the beach.

“Despite being approached and asked not to, the rider continued and local police were called.”

Police stopped the rider for using a motorcycle without insurance and also riding in an antisocial manner. The bike was seized and the motorcyclist issued with a Section 59 warning which is “to stop inappropriate use of vehicles that annoy the public or place people at risk.”

Police issued a reminder that riding such machines either on a public highway, public land or any land where the public have access is illegal.

The police spokesman added: “We thank those many callers who took the time to report the incident to us and by doing so, allowing us to prevent someone getting injured or suffering further alarm, harassment or distress.”