Boy, aged nine, dies after collision involving scrambler bikes in Dunclug area of Ballymena; second boy aged 13 in critical condition

The nine-year-old sadly passed away following the two-vehicle collision in the Dunclug area of Ballymena, police have confirmed.

He died in hospital as a result of his injuries after a collision between two bikes that occurred on Thursday at around 4.55pm.

A second boy age 13 was taken to hospital and is understood to be in a critical condition this morning.

Police said a full investigation is under way and Detective Sergeant Neil Harrison is appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has mobile phone footage which could assist officers with their enquiries, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 1342 of 16/06/22

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service dispatched three emergency crews and a doctor to the scene, and also tasked the Air Ambulance to the incident.

Both children, who were riding separate bikes, were taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, one by air ambulance and the other by an ordinary ambulance.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, said he was devastated to learn of the young boy’s death.

He said: “I am deeply saddened by the news that a young boy has passed away following yesterday evening’s incident and I wish to offer my condolences to his family.

“My thoughts and prayers are with both families and I ask that they are given the space they need at this very difficult time.

“I would like to thank the emergency services and in particular the Air Ambulance for their quick response to this incident and for getting the children the medical assistance needed.”

Writing on Facebook last night, SDLP councillor Eugene Reid said: “A serious incident has taken place tonight in the Dunclug area. Children are severely injured and in hospital.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the injured and their families... I also thank those local people who tended to the injured immediately after the incident and to the emergency services who administered first aid and ensured the injured got the best medical treatment.”