Four-year-old David Spence died in the accident

David Spence, four, was sitting on the front of the bike when it was in collision with a car. He was not wearing a safety helmet.

The crash happened at the junction of Berlin Street and Riga Street in the Shankill Road area on Thursday.

The child's uncle, Sam Spence, said it was a terrible tragedy.

"It is terrible that it had to happen to us for people to realise that it is dangerous to let kids out on motorbikes," he said.

"We're a big family and we just can't take it in. We cannot express how much hurt we're feeling at the minute."

The mini-scrambler bike was being ridden by David's stepfather at the time of the accident.

The mini motorbike lay in the road after the crash

It is understood the little boy's twin sister Chelsea is not yet fully aware of what has happened.

People in the area have said children were often seen riding on such vehicles.

But the problem of off-road bikes, quads, and scramblers is not confined to west Belfast.

In Londonderry, as in other parts of Northern Ireland, mini motorbikes in built up areas are becoming a danger to the riders, other drivers and pedestrians.

Amid calls for police to do more, Mr Spence said parents should be more aware of the risks to their children.

"They will definitely have to do something because it's not only going to be us that's going to be grieving," he said.

"Other families are going to be grieving," said Mr Spence.