A COUNCILLOR has called for increased police patrols and restricted access for motorbikes and quad bikes to a park after a young boy was knocked down by a moped. 

The eight-year-old suffered a serious head injury and was taken to hospital following the collision with a blue moped in Horton Park at around 7.15pm on Thursday, May 30.

Police said the moped rider, who was said to be wearing a balaclava, failed to stop following the incident and exited the park onto Horton Park Avenue.

Although the police said the boy’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, a councillor has called for strong action in the wake of the shocking incident.

Councillor Talat Sajawal (Ind, Little Horton) said: “There is a lot of anti-social behaviour with motorbikes and quad bikes in Horton Park. They use it as a racetrack.

“The council needs to restrict access to the park by these vehicles as it was an accident waiting to happen, and now a young child has been hurt.

“I hope the young child is safe and well and has a speedy recovery.

“It’s so devastating for the family and everyone. The park should be a safe place for children to play and for families to enjoy.

“But this kind of anti-social behaviour is on the rise across the Bradford district in other places such as Bowling Park, which like Horton Park is on the border of my ward.

“This kind of anti-social behaviour causes a hazard for local residents as these vehicles are driven at speed.

“The police should carry out regular patrols of parks as this sort of behaviour happens more and more particularly at this time of year and in the summertime. It creates a danger for the public.”

A spokesperson for the Friends of Horton Park said: “You do occasionally get some anti-social behaviour but it’s late in the night with quads, but has been quiet recently.

“I hope the person who got hurt recovers.”

Police are appealing for witnesses and footage following the hit-and-run.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has footage of a blue moped in the area at the time is asked to contact the Roads Policing Unit on 101, or by using the live chat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website quoting log reference 1619 of May 30."