Councillors have issued a safety warning as a 16-year-old boy remained in a critical condition last night after crashing an off-road bike on a public road.

The Guiseley boy, who has not been named, was taken to hospital with serious injuries after the ‘pit’ bike he was riding was in collision with a car.

The accident happened when the blue off-road bike and a silver Ford Fiesta collided in Yeadon at the weekend.

The boy was taken to Leeds General Infirmary after the incident in Gill Lane at about 1.40pm on Saturday.

Officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Enquiry Team (MCET) are investigating the incident and have made an appeal for witnesses.

Councillor Stuart Andrew warned off-road bikers to only use their machines on private land.

Councillor Andrew (Con, Guiseley and Rawdon) said: “This is clearly a tragic occurrence and really does highlight the need for people to be careful when they are using the roads.

“Safety measures are in place for a reason and people need to make sure they adhere to them.

“No-one wants to see their loved ones end up in hospital like this.”

His views were echoed by his Leeds City Council colleague Councillor Ryk Downes (Otley and Yeadon) “Off-road bikes should be kept off road,” said Coun Downes.

“We do not want to spoil people’s fun but off-road bikers should be on private property and kept off the public highway.”

Police have urged any witnesses to the accident to call PC Julian Burgin on (01924) 293047.