A BOY suffered a suspected fractured eye-socket when he lost control of his quad bike and collided with a goalpost.

The seven-year-old was last night recovering in hospital following the incident in Eastbourne Park, Darlington, yesterday afternoon.

He was accompanied by his father and was wearing a helmet.

Police said if he had not been wearing one, the collision could have been fatal.

PC Jon Dixon, of Darlington police, said the boy had been in a lot of pain, with a suspected fractured eye socket, cuts and bruises and complaining of an elbow injury.

PC Dixon reminded bikers that it is against the law to use motorised vehicles in places where permission has not been granted.

“People think on common land you are allowed, but that isn’t the case,” he said.

“Parents have a supervisory responsibility over their children and if their actions are deemed not to be supervising their child properly, they are leaving themselves open to prosecution for child neglect.”

No arrests were made, although inquiries are continuing.

PC Dixon said young people wishing to ride their bikes legally could sign up for Durham Constabulary’s Mini Moto Club.

“It gives kids a chance to ride their bikes safely, but in a competitive spirit,” he said.

For details, visit durham.police.uk/bikewise