POLICE have condemned off-road bikers after a serious crash in Huddersfield.

The driver of a car escaped with shock but the vehicle was written off after a smash with an off-road biker.

The 17-year-old bike rider ended up in hospital but was lucky to escape serious injury.

Now Derek Day, whose son, Scott, was driving the car, is calling for parents to keep children on a tighter leash before someone gets killed.

And police have pledged to continue their crackdown on the bikers.

He said: “It was dark, he had no lights and no high-visibility clothing and Scott didn’t see him coming.

“It’s only a matter of time before someone gets really hurt or killed.”

Scott, of Crosland Hill Road, Crosland Hill, was returning to his home after seeing a friend on Monday evening when the accident happened.

The 22-year-old physiotherapist was near the junction of Crosland Hill Road and Blackmoorfoot Road when the biker came out of the darkness and smashed into his £1,200 Peugeot car.

The rider flew across his bonnet and landed in the road. Scott was shaken up but not badly hurt.

Mr Day, 48, who runs DMD Universal Tools Supplies in Milnsbridge, said: “I was shocked to see the extensive damage the off-road bike had caused and that the young lad on the bike was not killed outright.”

He said there was a problem with youngsters riding the bikes through a ginnel off Crosland Hill Road, often with younger children riding pillion.

“They constantly ride them on the road with no insurance and don’t realise the devastation that can be caused to families on both sides,” he added.

“I believe that kids should be able to play, but there should be some provisions and proper facilities before lives are lost.”

Mr Day is hoping to organise a meeting with local councillors to discuss the issue.

A police spokesman said the bike involved in the incident had been seized and the rider reported for not having the necessary documentation.

He added: “Neighbourhood policing teams across Kirklees continue to tackle incidents surrounding the anti-social use of off road bikes, working in partnership with Kirklees Council on a number of initiatives throughout the district.

“We have attended known problem areas where enforcement and warning notices have been given out to offenders.

“Our concern is really around those who present a danger to themselves and others by riding in an illegal or anti-social manner.

“Many of the riders are simply unaware of the danger they are putting themselves and others in by riding these vehicles in an irresponsible manner. In some cases the riders don’t even bother wearing basic protective clothing.

“We would urge parents to be responsible when purchasing and allowing their children to ride these type of bikes.

“As well as the safety aspects, they need to consider insurance and driving licence issues and where their children are riding.

“All users should consider whether there are prohibition notices displayed, if it is privately owned land or public land and whether or not they have permission to ride there.

“We also would warn anyone who rides illegally on the streets, off-road or on public land, that they run the risk of receiving a substantial fine, losing their bike and being arrested.”