Police to crack down on illegal off-road bikes after 5-year-old is injured

The boy suffered injuries to his lip and leg which will require surgery

Police in Oldham are reassuring residents in the Kings Road area that they are stepping up their efforts to stop the use of illegal off-road bikes.

The force say they will be drafting in extra force resources, including the Road Policing Unit and more PCSOs, and will "significantly increase" visibility in the area.

The move comes following an incident on the playing fields on Kings Road on Thursday evening, when an off-road bike hit a five-year-old who was playing football.

The child sustained injuries to his lip and leg, which will require surgery.

A 17-year-old male – who cannot be named for legal reasons – was arrested and later released under investigation.

Chief Inspector Abigail Cronin for Neighbourhood Partnerships in Oldham said: “My thoughts are with the little boy who has been injured and I hope that he makes a speedy recovery.”

“We understand the frustration of the local community with this type of anti-social behaviour and we want them to know that we are aware of it and have a plan in place to ensure that it is dealt with appropriately.

“We have secured extra resources and will apprehend and arrest anyone who is riding an off-road bike.”

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