Young girl hospitalised after e-scooter knocks her down in Derry
The injury of a young girl who was knocked down by an electric scooter in Derry has sparked calls for parents to ensure their children are not using the vehicles recklessly and illegally.
SDLP Ballyarnett Councillor Brian Tierney described as ‘extremely frightening’ the incident in which the child suffered arm, leg and facial injuries when they were knocked down behind the Shantallow community centre last Sunday just before 9.30pm.
Sinn Féin’s Sandra Duffy said she had spoken to the young girl’s mother who had outlined the serious injuries she suffered as a result of the incident.
"They definitely weren’t minor and had the potential to be life-threatening,” said Colr. Duffy.
According to the PSNI the child was on a scooter, accompanied by one of their parents when a young male riding an e-scooter reportedly came around the corner.
There was a collision and the child was knocked to the ground.
There was a brief exchange with the young male who ran to get help and apologised, but then left afterwards without providing his details.
The ‘Journal’ understands the young girl was hospitalised and had to undergo surgery to her legs after being knocked down.
Colr. Tierney said: "This once again highlights the dangers posed by the reckless use of e-scooters within our community.
"I would urge parents and young people to make sure they are not using these vehicles in an illegal or dangerous manner, putting themselves and the public at risk.
“There is growing concern around the prevalence of e-scooters in public places and the last thing we want to see is anyone getting seriously injured or worse, or a young person ending up with a criminal record,” he said.
Colr. Duffy said: “This demonstrates how easily an accident can happen and the dangers that e-scooters pose.
"Unfortunately this isn’t the first accident I have heard of in our community and I’m sure it won’t be the last, but I genuinely fear that we are heading towards a tragedy.
"E-scooters are not toys, they are motorised vehicles that can travel at speeds of 40mph,” she said.
Inspector Robb from Ballyarnett Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “This would have been a really traumatic and shocking incident for this child and for their parent."