Police have warned parents about their children using electric scooters after reports of 'anti-social behaviour' involving the popular Christmas gift.
Officers said they received reports of such behaviour by a 'large number of youths' in Middleton town centre.
Anyone using electric scooters need a driving licence and insurance, as well as requiring it to be registered with the DVLA, police said.
Electric scooters can only be used on private land, with permission of the landowner.
They are not currently legal to be used on public roads, but trials are underway where people can legally use them.
One such trial is taking place in Salford, where people can rent scooters and use them in a limited area.
On the GMP Middleton Facebook page, officers said: "We never like being the bearers of bad news, but at times we have to be.
"Please read this as this may apply to your children.
"A popular gift of choice from Santa this year has been an E- Scooter, and we have seen over the last few days a large number of youths riding around Middleton Gardens and on the roads and pavements of the town.
"E-Scooters come under the classification of a motor vehicle, in that is is a mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on a road.
"As such, the rider would require a driving licence, insurance and it needs to be registered with the DVLA.
"Sadly, E-Scooters (unless Government hire schemes) don't conform to this, and just like for example an off road motor bike or car being driven without insurance, under section 165 of the Road Traffic Act these can be seized from the rider.
"Ideally we don't want to be doing this and ask that if your child has one then they are made aware that currently the law provides no provision for use on the road, pavement or other public place.
"Last night there were a number of reports of Anti Social Behaviour in Middleton Gdns involving a large number of youths on scooters.
"We'd like not to have the same again and would hope this post may prevent it slightly.
"Long winded I know, but I hope you understand we are trying to prevent having to seize these from children."
