Officers spotted the vehicle being driven erratically
The scrambler bike seized by Merseyside Police(Image: Merseyside Police)
Police officers were surprised when they stopped a scrambler bike which had been driving dangerously on a road in Huyton today (Tuesday, December 31). A unit was initially dispatched to respond to reports from members of the public who were concerned about the manner in which the bike was being ridden.
When officers arrived, they saw the bike being driven erratically and, when they caught up with the rider, discovered an unaccompanied seven-year-old. The child explained to them that the bike had been a Christmas present.
The bike was seized by Knowsley’s Targeted policing team. Brian Loughran, Knowsley Targeted Inspector, said: “It is really worrying that a seven-year-old was riding this vehicle on the roads, it is illegal for a scrambler to be driven on the road, but to let a child take to the roads presents a danger to their safety and the safety of others.
“We’ve seized the scrambler bike from today’s incident in line with Operation Brookdale protocols and we will continue to seize scrambler bikes that are being ridden dangerously, or illegally. We don’t want to be taking kids’ Christmas presents off them – but we’d rather be taking their bikes off the roads than taking them to hospital. Or worse.”
Merseyside Police has warned that parents who allow their children to ride scrambler or quad bikes in public places may be prosecuted. They are also appealing for anyone with information about where illegal scrambler bikes are being stored or used in a dangerous or antisocial manner to report anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.