Concerns were raised with the police about scramblers in Colin Glen park just weeks before a west Belfast mother-of-three died from injuries after being hit by one, The Irish News has learned.
Valerie Armstrong, from Poleglass, had been in a critical condition but died late last night at the Royal Victoria Hospital. She was knocked down by a scrambler on Tuesday evening while out walking her dog.
Two boys, aged 15 and 17, were arrested. The 17-year-old will appear at Belfast Magistrate’s Court today. The 15-year-old was released on bail
Believed to be in her mid-thirties, Ms Armstrong was originally from Rochfortbridge, Co Westmeath. She worked in Cafe Vaudeville on Arthur Street in Belfast city centre. Married to Seamus, the couple have three children, Dylan, Lucy and Sophie-Belle – all under 11.
The Irish News understands police were contacted within the past month by members of staff at the Colin Glen Trust over concerns that scramblers were being driven illegally in the park.
Colin O’Neill, chief executive of the Colin Glen Trust, said steps have been taken to address anti-social behaviour over the last number of years. He said they “report many incidents” of anti-social behaviour to police but could not specify if these were in relation to scramblers.
Superintendent Melanie Jones said police “are aware of concerns in the local community about people riding scramblers and quads recklessly, especially in public parks”.
“I want to assure the public that we will take action to curb the nuisance and dangers associated with the use of off-road scramblers and quads in public areas."
And she added: “I want to take this opportunity to remind the public that while the use of such motorised vehicles as a leisure activity can appear to be both exciting and fun, if used inappropriately, can be dangerous and against the law.
“Some scramblers do not comply with Vehicle Safety Standards and are therefore restricted to ‘off-road’ use only because they do not comply with the necessary legislation for use on a public road or in a public place. This does not mean they can be driven anywhere ‘off-road’. These vehicles can only be used on private land where the landowner has given permission and should not be used on pavements, roads, public property or parks; this includes green grass areas and public paths."
She also called on parents to consider how their children use scramblers.
"Police also have the power to seize these vehicles. It is important that people recognise that this is a real possibility and has happened before," said Superintendent Jones
Tributes have been paid to Valerie Armstrong on social media from politicians including West Belfast Sinn Fein assembly member Jennifer McCann.
Sorry to hear that Valerie Armstrong has passed away tonite, thoughts and prayers are with her husband, young children and family
— Jennifer Mc Cann (@jennifermccann0) July 20, 2016
SDLP MLA Alex Atwood expressed "deep condolences to the family of Valarie and her next of kin" on behalf of his party.
Members of the public also paid tribute on social media. Writing on Facebook Jacqueline Lynch said the tragedy was "Utterly heart breaking .. Thoughts are with the family at this awful time," while Joanne Kennedy said "So sad and tragic. Another young person taken so soon."
"This is a profound tragedy, taking a young woman from her family. The sympathy of everybody is with the family in these terrible days," he said.
"The circumstances of this incident raise again questions about activities involving these bikes. As a matter of great importance, the various authorities should again look at what further regulation and enforcement is needed to reduce the risk of further and future serious incidents".
Martin Connolly from Poleglass Community Association said the illegal use of scramblers in the area was an "ongoing issue".
"A great deal of anger and resentment exists in the local community at present over this latest incident. Illegal use of quads, scramblers and so called run arounds have been an ongoing issue and must be dealt with by relevant agencies as a matter of urgency, at the very least to prevent further heartbreak to families and the wider community," he said.
Former Sinn Féin councillor and manager of the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership Annie Armstrong said that in December 2014 the organisation, in partnership with the PSNI, ran a poster and leaflet campaign urging parents not to purchase scramblers for their children.
She said local people are “horrified” at what has happened and the family have been left “traumatised”.
Ms Armstrong added that “her family are really concerned. They’re traumatised. They’re in turmoil about how they’re going to explain this to the children,” she said.
Police have asked anyone who was in the Colin Glen area at the time of the crash, and who saw the collision, to contact them.
