'˜Wise up,' warn police after scrambler seized in Larne

The incident on January 11 was reported on the PSNI Larne’s Facebook site, with officers revealing that the use of mini motos, scramblers and pit bikes on public land, roads and footpaths, was “causing a lot of concern in the community.”

Referring to the death of mother-of-three Valerie Young, who was hit by a scrambler, the officer stated: “I can’t understand whether this all comes about as a result of being ill-informed regarding the law or whether it’s stupidity or complete arrogance towards others. Only last summer a mother lost her life in a Belfast park after being hit by a scrambler.

“If you don’t have a driving license, a valid Insurance certificate and a roadworthy vehicle, then you can’t ride anywhere other than private land, and that’s only with permission of the land owner.

“It is not legal to ride these vehicles on the road, the footpath, the park, the beach, the waste ground across from your house, the supermarket car park or the local forest. Take responsibility for your actions and those of your children. Sadly some adults, including parents think it’s ok to take these vehicles to public areas and use them in close proximity to people out walking, running and cycling.

“We can do our best to educate people on the dangers, we can’t bring a loved one back from the dead.”