‘Mindless’ off-road bikers reported to police after putting kids in danger near Sheffield schools

They are reported to have been riding around Waterthorpe Nursery and Infant School and Emmanuel Junior Academy, in Waterthorpe, this week as children were leaving.

The off-road bikers have also been seen around the playing field close to the Hawk and Dove public house.

In a Facebook post, Councillor Tony Downing said he has reported the bikers to South Yorkshire Police and is urging others to follow suit.

He said: “I have been alerted once again to off-road bike activity around Waterthorpe and Emmanuel School.

“Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) these mindless miscreants were riding around close to the schools and the playing field near the Hawk and Dove public house.

“The safety of the children was being comprised as this was happening as the schools were finishing.

“I have reported this to South Yorkshire Police, however I would ask that people stay vigilant and report any future activity of this nature to the 101 service and if possible give descriptions, i.e bike colour or clothing please.”

In another post, he said off-road bikers have caused damage to Halfway Junior School’s playing fields.

He also claimed they have narrowly missed colliding with pedestrians.

Coun Downing said: “As many of you will already be aware I have spent a great deal of time recently working with both South Yorkshire Police and various council departments to implement measures to help both stop access to and also to cut down on the damage done to our green spaces within the ward by off-road vehicles.

“This has mainly been centred around the Shortbrook playing fields and Moss Way.

“It has now been brought to my attention that off-road bikers and quads have caused serious problems on Halfway Junior School playing fields and the paths and gennels around the immediate area, causing damage and on a number of occasions narrowly avoiding causing accidents with passers-by.

“I have reported this directly to South Yorkshire Police and asked for the area to be monitored closely as well as visited by South Yorkshire Police’s off-road team.

“I will also look at what other measures can be taken to restrict access to the area for off-road vehicles.”

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