Residents have been left shocked after police seized an off-road quad bike that had a four-year-old child on the front of the vehicle.

Last Thursday (September 22), officers from Durham Police were alerted to a vehicle driving dangerously on Sampson Place, Newton Aycliffe, at around 6.30pm by concerned residents.

After arriving on the scene, both the police and those that lived in Newton Aycliffe were left stunned after they found a male riding an off-road quad bike with a four-year-old child riding on the front of it.

Following the shocking incident, the police have confirmed that the vehicle was seized and the male riding the qua bike has been reported for several offences.

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A spokesperson for Durham Police said: “At approximately 6.30pm on Thursday, September 22, a call was received in relation to a male riding an off-road quad in Sampson Place, Newton Aycliffe with a child, approximately four years old, on the front of it. 

“Due to the great quality information received, officers quickly located the quad which was seized, and the rider reported for a number of offences.”

While the police have dealt separately with the male involved, people on social media have been critical of the actions of the adult rider – with one user saying “Given a young child was killed earlier this year at Eldon doing similar, it staggers me that someone could be so stupid.

“Throw the book at the idiot,” while another simply added: “This is awful”.

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