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Police urge parents considering buying motorised vehicles this Christmas to 'put safety first'

PSNI Inspector Rosie Leech at the Ulster Grand Prix paddock in Dundrod as police 'off-road safety' appeal. Picture by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker
PSNI Inspector Rosie Leech at the Ulster Grand Prix paddock in Dundrod as police 'off-road safety' appeal. Picture by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker PSNI Inspector Rosie Leech at the Ulster Grand Prix paddock in Dundrod as police 'off-road safety' appeal. Picture by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker

POLICE have issued an appeal to parents considering buying quads or scramblers this Christmas to remember they "are not toys".

In a stark reminder of the dangers of the motorised vehicles, the PSNI have asked people to "imagine the tragedy of a Christmas gift being responsible for a death or life-long disability".

Police launched their 'off-road safety' appeal yesterday, aimed at educating parents, guardians and potential users of the issues to be considered when using motorised vehicles.

Inspector Rosie Leech said while the use of the machines "can be fun and exciting"... they "are not toys".

"They must not be on the pavements, roads, public property or parks and should only ever be used on private property with permission from the land/property owner," she said.

"It is vital that children and young people understand and respect the power of these machines and it is critically important that the appropriate safety equipment is used and that their use is properly supervised."

Police have urged parents and guardians considering buying quads, go-peds, scramblers or other motorised vehicles this Christmas to put safety first. Picture by Alan Lewis/ Photopress
Police have urged parents and guardians considering buying quads, go-peds, scramblers or other motorised vehicles this Christmas to put safety first. Picture by Alan Lewis/ Photopress Police have urged parents and guardians considering buying quads, go-peds, scramblers or other motorised vehicles this Christmas to put safety first. Picture by Alan Lewis/ Photopress

Valerie Armstrong (35) died last year after being struck by a scrambler motorbike while walking her dog in Colin Glen Forest Park and last month businessman Ignatius Ward (45) was killed in a quad bike accident in Co Tyrone.

Ms Leech added: "At best, no parent wants their child brought home for any wrongdoing or referred to the PSNI Youth Diversion Officer for prosecution purposes.

"At worst, people have been killed and seriously injured using these machines. Imagine the tragedy of a Christmas gift being responsible for a death or life-long disability."