A FOUR-YEAR-OLD boy who was being driven perched on the handlebars of a mini-moto bike was left abandoned with the vehicle.

Police were left stunned when one of the small motorbikes raced past them in Piccadilly Road, Burnley, with the child, who did not have a helmet, on the handlebars.

The rider refused to stop for officers and dumped the bike, and the child, in a back alley.

The incident was the latest involving the controversial mini-moto bikes, and police are warning that somebody could be killed by one soon.

PC John Fisher, who tried to stop the bike, said the madness of racing the bikes around the streets had to stop.

“I am extremely concerned that the riders are either going to hurt themselves or someone else if their behaviour continues,” he said “We’ve already seen an increase in the number of complaints about nuisance bikes and we are taking action – we’ve seized two in the past fortnight alone.

“However, it’s not just the nuisance that concerns us. These bikes are being ridden dangerously in many cases. The riders and passengers are not wearing appropriate safety gear and they are not riding the bikes legally or responsibly.”

Mini motos, which have become increasingly popular with teenagers, are miniature petrol-driven motorcycles that can reach up to 60mph.

Owners of mini motos who are under 16 can only ride the bikes on private land, while over 16’s can use them on the roads if the vehicle is taxed and insured and the correct safety gear is worn.

Jo Abbott, from the RAC Foundation, warned that most of the vehicles do not meet road standards: “Before buying one of these bikes get some good advice from Trading Standards,” she said.

“Vehicles would need to be taxed and insured, have a valid MOT certificate and the user would need to wear appropriate protective equipment such as a crash helmet.

“Most of these bikes are not capable of meeting these and other legal requirements and they cannot therefore be used on the road.”

The bikes are designed for youngsters aged six to 16-years-old.

PC Fisher also appealed for residents help in tracing the owners of bikes used in a dangerous way.

He said: “We can and will solve this problem but we need details of riders.

“For their sake and yours, please come forward with details.

“The last thing we want to see is a member of our local community either get run down or fall off one of these vehicles, so please search your conscience and report those responsible.”