Woman (35) dies after being hit by a scrambler bike

A 35-year-old woman has died after she was hit by a scrambler motorcycle as she walked her dog in a park in west Belfast.

Valerie Armstrong, who has three children, died in hospital on Wednesday night surrounded by her family, police have said.

Ms Armstrong was originally from Rochfortbridge in Co. Westmeath, according to Midlands 103 radio.

The incident happened at Colin Glen Forest Park on Tuesday about 6pm .

Two male teenagers, aged 15 and 17, were arrested and taken into custody.

The 17-year-old has since been charged with a number of offences and is due to appear in court in Belfast on Thursday.

The 15-year-old was released on bail pending further inquiries.

Supt Melanie Jones from the PSNI said she wanted to remind the public inappropriate use of motorised vehicles could 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’,” she said.

“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.

Supt Jones said police had the power to seize these vehicles and would enforce the necessary laws to ensure public safety.

“We are aware of concerns in the local community about people riding scramblers and quads recklessly, especially in public parks, and 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,” she said.

“As we have seen last night in Colin Glen Park these vehicles can be very dangerous if not used legally and in a controlled environment.

“Parents too are asked to play their part by considering how their children use these vehicles. I would urge people to consider others in the areas where these vehicles are being used.”