Police conducted an operation on fast-food delivery riders which led to over 48 mopeds being stopped.

The operation came after the police received 'numerous complaints' about riders in the area.

Two riders were subsequently arrested for immigration offences and two were seized for no insurance.

Another three riders were also reported for road offences.

The tweet from Roads & Transport MPS documenting this work went viral - with much negative backlash.

One popular tweeter and author said: "Did I miss all other crime being solved or do you genuinely prioritize arresting people trying to make a living by serving some ***** lunch?"

Another tweeter said: "you lot are truly reprehensible. standing up for nobody, bragging on targeting low paid workers just trying to make ends meet. horrible bunch."

The Home Office has since defended their operation.

The tweet was also received well from an albeit small number of residents and further afield Twitter accounts.

One tweeter said: "Excellent work, thank you!"

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