A six-year-old boy suffered a broken leg and bruising after a frightening trials bike crash.

The youngster from Kiln Road, Thunderlsey, collided with a 17-year-old motorcyclist from Rayleigh during the accident in Dartford, Kent.

Both boys were riding off-road on a makeshift track in University Way at around 2.30pm on Sunday.

The emergency services were called after a passerby spotted the accident.

The riders were taken to Darenth Valley Hospital where the six-year-old was treated for a broken leg and cuts and bruises to his face and shoulder.

The 17-year-old from Huntland Close, Rayleigh, was not thought to be seriously injured.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: "It appears the six-year-old's bike collided into the side of the 17-year-old. This was not an area for trials bikes and we are not sure if there was anyone else in the area at the time."

Sgt Rod Chapman of Kent Police said lessons should be learned from the smash.

He said: "We are warning all young people and their parents that using trials bikes on non-designated paths is not only illegal but also dangerous."

Police carry out regular patrols but have asked parents to make sure their children do not ride in those areas and wear protective clothing. It is not known what safety clothing the two were wearing.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.