A TEENAGER whose car was seized by police claims he was unfairly targeted because of his age and the kind of motor he drives.

Police seized 18-year-old Mark Harding-Wyatt's red Peugeot 306 saloon on March 4, after complaints about his 'aggressive driving' around Bradford on Avon.

Police issued a formal warning the previous week saying his car would be seized if he did not behave more responsibly.

Mr Harding-Wyatt was reported to have been driving aggressively down Masons Lane on March 1 and later that day he was asked by residents near St Laurence School to turn down his loud car stereo when he was parked in the school car park.

Police then seized the car at his home in Folly Field and he was charged £105 for its release from a secure compound.

Mr Harding-Wyatt, an apprentice plum-ber, said: "I think this whole thing has been unfair.

"Because I am young and have a nice car the police singled me out.

"They see a guy in a car like mine wearing a baseball cap and hanging out with friends and thought I must be trouble.

"It felt like they had made a decision to take the car away before I could even tell them my side of the story."

He said the unexpected bill to get the car released has left him struggling to pay his monthly insurance payments.

This is the first time a car has been impounded in Bradford under new police powers conferred by the Police Reform Act 2002.

Sergeant Mark Rees warned officers would have no hesitation in using the Act's powers against people driving around the town in an 'anti-social' way.

Sgt Rees said: "There are a number of other local motorists who have received warning notices and it is hoped they take them seriously or they could find their vehicles seized also.

"It is intended this legislation will be actively utilised for the benefit of the local community."