A nine-year-old boy has died after the scrambler bike he was riding collided with another scrambler in Ballymena, Co. Antrim. 

The rider of the second bike, a 13-year-old boy, is in a critical collision. 

Following the crash on Thursday, local people rushed to help the two children and three emergency services arrived at the scene. 

The boys were taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where the nine-year-old passed away. 

PSNI have begun an investigation into the incident and have appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash to contact them. 

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, told the BBC he was “devastated” by the news and praised the response of the emergency services: 

"I am deeply saddened by the news that a young boy has passed away following yesterday evening's incident and I wish to offer my condolences to his family,” Mr Williams said. 

"My thoughts and prayers are with both families and I ask that they are given the space they need at this very difficult time."

Main image: PSNI.