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Child injured on face, arms and legs after e-scooter collision

News imageGetty Images A close-up view of a person using an e-scooter on a sunny day. The vehicle has a small black wheel on either side of a narrow foot platform. The person, who has placed one foot on the platform, can only be seen from the calf down. They are wearing black trousers and a tan brown trainer shoe.Getty Images
The child was with a parent on a scooter when a young male came around a corner on an e-scooter and collided with them in Londonderry

A child has sustained injuries to their face, hands, arms and legs after being knocked to the ground by a boy riding an e-scooter in Londonderry.

The incident happened shortly before 09:30 BST on Sunday morning in the Shantallow area of the city, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said.

The child was with a parent on a scooter when a boy came around a corner near a community centre on an e-scooter and collided with them, causing the child to fall.

The PSNI said the e-scooter user stopped briefly and apologised but then later left the scene without providing his details.

"This was a really traumatic and shocking incident for this child and for their parent," police said.

Officers have appealed for witnesses or anyone with footage of the incident to come forward.

What is the law around e-scooters?

News imageGetty A close-up of an e-scooter on a sunny day. The vehicle is black with two black wheels, a narrow black steering column, a red rear light and an amber side light on the wheel. A gravel path lined by grass and trees stretches into the distance in front of the e-scooter.Getty
It is not legal to use an e-scooter in a public place in Northern Ireland

Owning, buying or selling an e-scooter is not illegal in Northern Ireland but they can only be used on private land and only if the landowner gives their permission.

According to the PSNI, under current legislation, e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles, meaning they must be licensed, taxed, insured and meet legal requirements to be used in public spaces.

Police said many e-scooters being used on roads and public areas are therefore being ridden illegally, with officers using an approach of Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce when dealing with riders.

The public is urged to report inappropriate use, but police said enforcement must be carried out safely, particularly in busy areas, and e-scooters will be seized when it is safe to do so.