An urgent police investigation is underway after an 8-year-old boy was seriously injured in a shocking bike crash outside Pennyman Primary School in Middlesbrough.
Emergency services were called to Fulbeck Road around 4pm on Monday, 5 May 2025, %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%% involving a young boy on a pedal cycle and a black Siron dirt bike.
The dirt bike rider briefly spoke with the child after the crash before fleeing the scene, %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%% Police have confirmed.
The boy suffered a serious chest injury and was rushed to James Cook University Hospital, where he %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%% awaiting surgery. His condition is being %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%% monitored.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Cleveland %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%% have issued an urgent appeal for witnesses and are asking anyone with dashcam footage or information to call 101 quoting reference SE25080088.
A spokesperson %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%%:
We are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% or saw the dirt bike in the area around the time of the incident.
Community Shock Over Dangerous Off-Road Bikes
Local residents took to %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%% to express their outrage.
One %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_8%% posted on X:
This is %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_9%%. Kids should be safe playing %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_10%%
Another Facebook user %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_11%%:
Off-road bikes are out of control in %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_12%%. When will %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_13%% be taken?
%%UKNIP_ANCHOR_14%% misuse of off-road bikes, particularly near schools and residential areas.
School and Safety Concerns
Pennyman Primary School, known for its inclusive ethos and commitment to child safety, has long been a pillar of the Tees Valley %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_15%% Trust.
However, Monday’s horrifying incident has %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_16%% urgent questions about external threats to pupils outside school grounds.
Legal Consequences for Fleeing the Scene
Under the Road %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_17%% Act 1988, fleeing the scene of an accident is a serious criminal offence that could lead to heavy penalties, including imprisonment of up to 7 years, depending on the severity of injuries.
Police have pledged to leave "no %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_18%% unturned" in tracking down the individual responsible.
Ongoing Investigation and Road Safety Push
This latest crash highlights growing %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_19%% for tougher enforcement on off-road bikes.
Cleveland Police have increased patrols, and the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_20%% 2024 Road Safety Framework emphasises better education and enforcement to tackle similar risks.
Groups like RoSPA (Royal Society for the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_21%% of Accidents) are also pushing for stronger community action to improve safety near schools.
Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_22%% anonymously at 0800 555 111.
