POLICE are urging parents to think 'seriously' before buying their children off-road bikes at Christmas.

As part of the campaign, Merseyside Police have released CCTV footage of a girl being hit by a scrambler bike in St Helens last year.

On Friday, January 13, 2017 Jessica Chisnall aged 15 at the time, was walking home from school when an off-road bike mounted the pavement and collided with her.

She was taken to Alder Hey with serious injuries and was put in a medically-induced coma.

Jessica suffered a bleed on the brain, eye socket injuries and deep cuts.

The rider and passenger who were 12 and 16 at the time of the incident, ran off from the incident and were later arrested.

The 16-year-old was handed a Detention and Training Order and disqualified from driving for five years while the 12-year-old was given a Youth Referral Order.

The off-road bike had been given to the 16-year-old as a reward for good achievement in school.

Chief inspector Gary O’Rourke said: “This CCTV footage is a harrowing and stark reminder of the dangers that illegal motorcycles and off-road bikes can present and as distressing as it is to watch, I hope it makes people seriously reconsider before purchasing one.

"Jess and her family have shown immense courage by agreeing to the release of the footage and it is incredibly important that people are shown the devastating consequences that can be caused by using these motorcycles and off-road bikes.

"Through the force’s Operation Brookdale campaign, which focuses on reducing the illegal use of these motorcycles and bikes, we are committed to eradicating the nuisance they cause to our communities.

"At this time of year, it’s vital that parents, guardians, family members and friends think seriously about the potential risks before purchasing an off-road bike or motorcycle as a Christmas present.

"I can’t stress enough that these bikes are not toys and when used illegally they can have serious and even fatal consequences.

"As upsetting as it is, this CCTV speaks for itself, and shows the true danger that can be caused by illegal and dangerous use of off-road vehicles.

"The injuries suffered by Jess on that day were completely avoidable and Jess and her family continue to suffer because of the reckless behaviour of two individuals who didn’t think of the consequences that riding a powerful motorbike in a built-up area might cause.

"If you have information on where they are being stored, where they are regularly being ridden, and what vehicles are transporting them – let us know, report online, call Crimestoppers, or send a message to us on social media. We will take action whenever we can to remove dangerous vehicles from the streets."

Anyone with information about off-road bikes and where they are being stored is asked to contact Merseyside Police via social media at @MerPolCC, to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.