Knowsley Officers Seize Scrambler Bike Being Ridden by Seven Year Old Child

Officers from Knowsley's Targeted policing team have today, Tuesday, 31 December, seized an illegal off-road bike after spotting it being driven dangerously on a road in Huyton.

Officers initially responded to reports from members of the public who were concerned about the manner in which the bike was being ridden.  When they arrived they saw the bike being driven erratically, they were surprised when they caught up with the rider, who was an unaccompanied seven-year-old.

The child explained to the officers that the bike had been a Christmas present.

 

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."

Parents who allow their children to ride scrambler or quad bikes in public places may be prosecuted. 

 

Merseyside Police is 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.