A MUM has accused a motorist of deliberately knocking over her son as he was riding his bike.

Callan Smith, 15, was sitting on the handle bars of his Marlin mountain bike, which was being ridden by a friend along Link Road, Canvey, when the incident took place.

A couple driving a burgundy Ford Escort pulled alongside the pair and the woman driver, who was in her fifties, told them it was dangerous to sit on the handle bars and demanded they got off the road.

When the two refused the driver deliberately swerved into the bike knocking the two boys over and then drove off without stopping.

Neither of the boys were seriously injured in the incident, but the mountain bike was badly damaged.

Mum Paula Smith, 41, of First Avenue, is furious with the driver.

She said: “I’m not sure what the kids said back to her when she pulled up, but before they had a chance to react she just turned her wheel into them.

“It’s absolutely disgusting she hasn’t even stopped to see if the boys were OK. It’s irresponsible. Another couple of inches and she could have broken one of their legs.”

Police are investigating the incident, which occurred at about 5pm on Tuesday, August 24.

To make matters worse, the bike was given to Callan as a birthday present last year.

Mrs Smith added: “It’s such a shame. He absolutely loved it. It was his pride and joy.

“It wasn’t cheap either. I don’t know how I’m going to find the money to pay for another one.”

Police believe the incident could have been an accident.

Anyone with information about the incident can call PC Tom Jackson at Canvey Police on 0300 3334444.