Northern Ireland

Arrest over video of young girl driving lorry on M1

The video appeared to show a child driving a lorry on the M1
The video appeared to show a child driving a lorry on the M1 The video appeared to show a child driving a lorry on the M1

Police have arrested a man in connection with a video posted online that appears to show a child driving a lorry on the M1.

In the video a young girl can be seen at the steering wheel of the heavy goods vehicle apparently on the motorway near Dungannon in Co Tyrone.

A man and another young girl are also seen in the lorry cab. None appear to be wearing seatbelts.

A 49-year-old man was held on suspicion of a number of offences including aiding and abetting driving whilst disqualified by reason of age and cruelty to children.

He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The video was the second to emerge in recent days after a previous clip appeared to show a young boy driving a lorry on the M1 near Dungannon.

A 37-year-old man was arrested in Cookstown by police investigating that video. He was later released on bail pending further enquiries.

First Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster had condemned both videos, tweeting: "Both these crazy videos have been in my constituency.

"This is reckless for the people in the HGVs and other road users. A vehicle like this veering out of control into traffic is unthinkable."

She urged people to help the police "identify these people and make our roads safer".