The Monday letters page speculates on the price of the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake, as one reader asks why there’s never been an Assassin’s Creed set in Ancient Rome.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Brand new sequel
With the world going crazy over the new Spider-Man movie it made me realise we haven’t heard anything about a third game from Sony, beyond a few small rumours. It’s obviously happening, for about a hundred different reasons, but I’m not sure why we haven’t had a tease about it yet.

We’ve got God Of War Laufey next spring and they seem to be setting up for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet for Christmas 2027 or early 2028. If Spider-Man 3 was coming out sooner than that we’d definitely have heard about it by now, so I guess that means it’s not till 2028 at the earliest?

My guess would be that Sony is trying to decide whether or not to make it a PlayStation 6 launch game, which is probably quite difficult given I doubt they know when the console is coming out, given the component crisis and everything. They’ll be kicking themselves they didn’t have it out this year though. as coming off the film it would’ve sold even more.
Korey

Long games
Who’s playing both GTA 6 and Zelda: Ocarina Of Time? Why me, I am (will be). I enjoy a variety to my genres, but not those rougelikes, tower defence or deck builders, but otherwise I’m easy.

Ocarina Of Time will be bought physical if possible and hopefully in line with Star Fox’s pricing. GTA will be bought using Microsoft reward points, of which I currently have 40,000-ish. Should be closer to 65/70 by the time it arrives, so that’s around 60 quid in rewards, which is one of the main reasons I’ve been mostly digital for the last few years.
big boy bent

GC: Star Fox can be beaten in two hours; we wouldn’t look to that in terms of Ocarina Of Time pricing.

Turn the Valve
With the recent success of the Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag remaster, I’d like to suggest more interesting games that could be worthy of a port and a moderate visual upgrade. I’d welcome the chance to play older PC games on the PlayStation 5. I’ve never fully embraced playing games on the PC, mostly because the computers that I’ve owned have never been overly powerful, and installing games on these machines has proved such a faff.

I vaguely remember getting part way through the original Half-Life and also Half-Life 2, but those experiences were so long ago now that playing modernised ports of those games would be most welcome. Black & White also intrigued me back in the day, and I never got to play that. I’m sure there are countless other PC classics that would benefit from a console makeover.

I guess licensing makes this idea tricky to realise, and developers/publishers need the promise of a decent return. I suspect that all I really need is a Steam Machine and a lottery win to fund it.
Michael Veal

GC: Valve has never been interested in consoles, and even less so now they make their own hardware.

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

No refund
I don’t think Henry understands the difference between Steam and Sony. On their refund policy Steam will refund you back to your bank account, as in the way you paid for it. Whereas Sony’s refund policy is it goes in your PSN wallet not back in your bank. So if you pre-order a game on PlayStation Store and then you see a GC review giving it, say, 3/10 and you decide not to complete your purchases, not only is it a pain to cancel your pre-order but you never get your cash back in your hand. Sony keeps that money and gives you a credit note.

Also, Steam will allow you to play the game for up to two hours and if you request it they will give you your money back. Sony, on the other hand, as soon as the game has started to download it’s yours, even if you haven’t played one second of it you have bought that game. Well, I should say you have bought the licence to play it. And that’s the same for everything on PSN, whether it’s a game movie or TV show. Enjoy your purchases: no refund, no trade in.
David

Don’t miss Gaming news! Add us as a Preferred Source

As a loyal GameCentral reader, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for gaming stories. We have all the latest video games news, reviews, previews, and interviews, with a vibrant community of highly engaged readers.

Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.

Advertisement

Add us as a Preferred Source

Resist or serve
I have some sympathy for Henry’s perspective in Friday’s inbox. It does feel like the wrong thing is being protested. If the issue is the terms for digital on PSN compared to Steam (and I think it is, primarily), then that’s what we should be pushing back on.

I appreciate that there are other benefits (and drawbacks) to discs – I still buy a few myself, but as the PC has been digital only for 15-20 years moving to digital-only is inevitable. What’s important is that we focus on making that environment the best we can, and I’m not sure that protesting digital-only is the best way to achieve that. We should make it about the terms and conditions.
Matt (he_who_runs_away – PSN ID)

GC: ‘We’ have no control over anything, only Sony does. That’s the underlying problem.

Returning champion
My journey to attend the second appointment with Saros’s final boss was surprisingly abridged compared to the prolonged punishment of the end game in Returnal – where you had to beat that game, from start to finish, thrice in order to unlock the true ending.

It was bloody exhausting and, in hindsight, I still don’t think I fully understood the nebulous, Lynchian-like resolution to Selene’s harrowing existential nightmare! But the ending was vastly more interesting than Saros’s though.

From a strictly gameplay perspective however, Saros is an expertly crafted follow up to Returnal, the rougelite gameplay loop is as engaging and exhilarating as ever. I love how slick and speedy gruff protagonist Arjun is to control, and the shooting and movement feels space shuttle airtight.

I admire the Ikaruga style dynamic between the shield and the bullets and powering up your auxiliary armament. Coupled with the ability to parry I’d quickly came to appreciate how the combat in Saros feels more layered and mechanically richer and more rewarding than Returnal.

And don’t get me started on how mesmeric the kaleidoscope of neon bullets are. I love the rush of needling through and gobbling up the sweeping, sprawling, swirling, swarming lurid orbs of death and coming out on top.

Or the sublime boss design – the Architect and Shepard vanguards were particular favourites. And how ingratiating and flexible the difficulty modifier system is without diluting the intrinsically hardcore nature of the beast.

Returnal’s more fragmented, fever dream-ish, Lovecraftian-esque premise is certainly more compelling and unique though, and I feel like the weapon balancing, soundtrack, and biome art design in Returnal was slightly better. Saros’s side characters also felt a little flat and ultimately superfluous to me.

The smart rifle, crossbow and chakram family of guns are awesome to use though and perfectly illustrate how exceptional the weapon design is in general. Even down to the comparatively puny pistol you start off with.

I said it before and I’ll say it again: Housemarque deserve to be a household name in the gaming industry!
GG

Veni, vidi, vici
Why don’t Ubisoft make a new Assassins Creed game based on the Roman Empire. There are so many good stories and countries s to visit.

They could choose an interesting time period rather than making Hexe, which seems rather strange.
Simon

GC: A few of the games have danced around the edges of the setting but we suspect a game solely based in Ancient Rome is something Ubisoft is saving for a break glass in case of emergency moment. A Japanese game also took a long time to appear, given how long fans had been asking for it.

Tank controls
I remember that it was the second Tomb Raider I first played, with the Venice setting at the beginning. And exploring Croft Manor with the butler following you constantly, as you trained yourself throughout the many rooms. Unfortunately though the problem I had started fairly early on, with the mechanics of the gameplay and controlling Lara Croft generally.

I was used to the early Resident Evil games for the PS1 originals, but they suited the game perfectly and made the game genuinely more terrifying because of these controls. This did not suit Tomb Raider and the complexity of navigating huge buildings and nature’s masterpieces was not the most fun thing I had ever done.

I had definitely been spoilt by Super Mario 64 by then, from the previous year, and the fluidity and control of the game was so ingenious and smooth to control. With just a quick flick of the thumbstick, Mario had turned round and you continued to get Mario through the level with quick fun and insane feelings of controlling a next generation gaming character in its entirety.

I had to give up on the second Tomb Raider, unfortunately, as the lack of fun trying to use Lara’s acrobatic manoeuvres to do a climb and jump and somersault to high archways and wooden beams, was infuriating me. Shame really, as I missed out on some iconic games.

Luckily the new Tomb Raiders have got the controls sorted out now, using a fast flexibility you’d love to control, with Uncharted style graphics and puzzle-solving which are a joy to behold. So with the Legacy Of Atlantis coming out next year, and never having played the first game, I can experience the game and get back to exploring ancient temples and catacombs, possibly maybe taking them beyond Assassin’s Creed and Uncharted’s seal of quality. The anticipation and interest is there and I’m loving the current Netflix animation.
Alucard

GC: The remasters of the original games have optional modern controls.

Inbox also-rans
I would just like to point out that if you buy a £70 PSN gift card from ShopTo the physical version is about £1 to 3 cheaper, depending on what membership level you are. Convenience wins.
Skill_Influx (PSN ID)

Ganon Theft Auto? Maybe it needs to be one word. Glock-arina? I don’t know. All the best.
David

GC: The first one is pretty good; we may steal that.

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

MORE: Games Inbox: Will you play the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake or GTA 6 first?

MORE: Games Inbox: Are user reviews for video games reliable?

MORE: Games Inbox: Is GTA 6 the only game you’re buying this autumn?

I WAS born in York and I have never been ashamed of that fact.

And when I meet people on holiday who ask where I come from they all say: “What a lovely place to live”.

Well – it used to be, but not any more.

The bar walls are a disgrace – uncut grass, weeds over growing, and in some places so much so that, at roundabouts, you cannot see the traffic coming.

I pay £150 a month council tax – what do the council spend it on and what do local councillors do at their meetings?

Name and address supplied

—

Congratulations are due to swimmer Adam Ramsay-Peaty

MANY moons ago I attended a fly-tying lesson at Burnholme School, the guest celebrity being Henry Wharton born in Leeds but forever associated with York.

Henry is a boxing hero and a nice, pleasant, individual.

In conversation he spoke of how being ranked as number three super middleweight in boxing, and how he thought being third out of a world population of approximately 5.9 billion was quite an achievement.

In Press letters, Peter Rickaby wrote about Adam Ramsay-Peaty finishing third in the Commonwealth Games, made up of 56 independent countries with a population 2.7 billion – nearly a third of the world’s population.

To my mind Adam Ramsay-Peaty finishing 3rd (at an age of 31) is a fantastic achievement.

Congratulations are in order Adam not criticism.

D M Deamer

Penleys Grove Street

Monkgate, York

… HOW many column inches have been used to describe how a bronze medal winner feels (Adam Ramsay-Peaty)? Were the winners, if they were even named, given similar coverage?

R Shenton,

Connaught Way,

York

What do you think?

Feel strongly about an issue? Write us a letter. Please write no more than 250 words and you must provide your full name, address and mobile number. Send your views by email to: letters@thepress.co.uk

Write a comment

Join the debate and leave a comment in our comments section below this article – we may use your comments for a follow up article.

Amy Cooper’s family described a ‘big hole’ in their lives where Amy should be

The family of an ‘unforgettable whirlwind’ woman has shared their story after she died in a crash in 2022. Amy Cooper was travelling on her motorbike near Holbeach, just over the border in Lincolnshire, when she was killed by an overtaking car.

November 13, 2022, was a foggy day and Amy was riding her Kawasaki motorbike after spending an afternoon with friends. The driver of a BMW crossed to the wrong side of the road to overtake another vehicle driving sensibly in the foggy conditions – before hitting Amy, who had no chance to react.

Amy’s mum, Amanda, said: “She was thrown about 60 yards down the road. Her injuries were extensive. Her bike was embedded in the car. Her rucksack was found 20 feet up a tree.”

The driver of the BMW went to speak to Amy, but then called someone to be picked up and ‘disappeared’, Amy’s mum said. The driver of the vehicle that had been overtaken went to help Amy, as did someone who lived in a cottage nearby and several other drivers who stopped at the scene.

Paramedics looked after Amy and she was still alive when she reached the hospital. However, her injuries were devastating and her family had to say goodbye to her.

In a new video about road safety, Amy’s family speak about how their lives were split in two forever when Amy was killed. Amanda said: “There’s just this big hole now where Amy should be. I keep going. I have family to care for. I need to go to work. Grief doesn’t pay the bills.

“But she’s never far from my thoughts. I can go along for a while being kind of numb and coping, but then every now and again, I still get this feeling of just despair and this sickness in the pit of my stomach, like somebody’s just kicked me; that this is real. She’s really not coming back.”

Amy’s sister, Sam, said telling her daughter about Amy’s death was the most difficult thing she has had to do in her life. “I’ll never forget that conversation,” Sam said. “I had just this crushing guilt that I need to introduce my 5-year-old to the concept of death and that her Auntie Amy, who she loved to pieces, has died and you’ll never see her again.”

Amy’s family are utterly determined to improve road safety. They are asking people to take more care on the roads and consider the devastation that can be caused in a split second.

Sam said: “I want Amy’s legacy to be that somebody takes a moment and thinks what happened to her, you could so easily cause to happen to someone else. You could be the safest driver in the world – but it’s that one decision.

“You take that chance, and Amy could be coming in the other direction. Somebody’s Amy, your Amy, could be coming in that direction. And then that’s it. That’s somebody’s life over. That’s your whole life changed as well.”

Data from the Department for Transport has “ineffective observation” as the main factor leading to crashes. This was recorded in 53% of collisions attended by police.

Amanda added: “I just wish people would take a deep breath, step back and think, is it worth it? Do I really need to be there 30 seconds quicker? Is it worth risking that overtake when you can’t see what’s coming, whether there’s a bend, or a bridge, or the visibility is not great. It’s not worth it. That could be your child, that could be your partner, your friend that is killed or severely injured.”

Amanda concluded: “She has been robbed of her whole adult life. It just is so unfair.”

Andy Burnham must ditch Labour‘s hard-Left workers’ rights reforms or risk sending Britain back to the 1970s, the Tories warned last night.

The swingeing changes will make it easier for unions to ballot for strikes, which could leave the country in a state of paralysis. 

Keir Starmer‘s government passed the Employment Rights Act last December but some of its most damaging elements will only be implemented in the coming months.

These include ‘swipe to strike’ proposals allowing online balloting for industrial action. Opponents warn the change, due to come in on August 31, coupled with looser balloting requirements, could trigger a wave of disruptive walkouts.

The measures also include doubling the time limit for most employment tribunal claims in the UK from three months to six months from October 1, while businesses face a raft of additional workplace obligations in the months ahead.

Critics say the package of reforms, spearheaded by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner before her resignation from Sir Keir’s government, threatens to saddle employers with extra costs and bureaucracy just as many are grappling with rising taxes, stubborn inflation and weak economic growth.

The layers of red tape come when entrepreneurship is already in decline, with new figures showing the number of new businesses has slumped close to the lowest level in a decade.

And an Institute of Directors (IoD) poll of more than 500 bosses found that confidence remained subdued, with a ‘modest deterioration’ in July compared to the previous month.

Critics say the reforms, spearheaded by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, pictured last month before her resignation from Sir Keir’s government, could saddle employers with extra costs

Tory business spokesman Andrew Griffith branded the threat of yet more pro-trade union regulations an attempt to return to the Seventies. 

Writing for this paper, he warned it will worsen the crisis of young people finding it impossible to find jobs. He said: ‘I hope Labour will see sense, pause the implementation of this mad Act, repeal it, and cancel our very expensive trip back to the 1970s.

‘If they don’t, Conservatives certainly will. We will repeal all the job-killing measures in the (Un)Employment Rights Act, and we will go further to curtail the power of the unions in the public and private sector by ending the scandal of paid-for trade union time on the taxpayer.’

The number of working days lost to strike action under Labour has surged past one million despite handing bumper pay hikes to its union paymasters. Under current laws, strikes are balloted privately in workers’ homes and must be completed and returned by post.

But this is set to change to allow workers to respond online, amid warnings it could lead to a rise of shop stewards intimidating staff to vote a certain way.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has thrown down the gauntlet and called on Mr Burnham to ditch the hardline, job-destroying policies before it’s too late. 

She told the Daily Mail: ‘The Employment Rights Act has been a total disaster for business and for jobs. Britain has a graduate recruitment crisis and rising unemployment in part because of this terrible legislation. If Andy Burnham wants to show he’s serious about spreading growth around Britain, he’d stop the remaining parts of the Act coming into force.’

A suite of further rules and regulations is set to come into force throughout next year, including a major crackdown on zero-hours contracts that will force employees to be compensated for short-notice cancellations.

Unions will also be given the right to roam workplaces with 21 employees or more, as frequently as once a week, to recruit members and hold talks and meetings.

And from October 30 this year, ministers are set to enact a ‘banter ban’ which will see pub landlords forced to police comments made by customers that could offend staff.

The law has already come under fire from former Labour Cabinet minister Alan Milburn, who was tasked by Sir Keir to come up with a solution to the youth unemployment crisis.

The PM must ditch Labour’s workers’ rights reforms or risk sending Britain back to the 1970s, Tories warned (Pictured: British Leyland workers from Longbridge plant demonstrate in 1979)

His report warned: ‘Employment Rights Act reforms, while intended to strengthen worker protection, were seen by some employers as increasing the burden of managing underperformance and reducing flexibility.’

The Conservatives’ demands came as new figures revealed a damning slump in new business openings.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the first six months of 2026 saw 157,980 new businesses created, down 3 per cent on the same period last year. This is just above the lowest figure for the decade, set in 2023.

A Government spokesman said: ‘We continue to consult with business and unions on implementation of the Employment Rights Act, to ensure the system is fair and effective for employers while protecting the workers who need it most.’

It is being run by the Journalists’ Charity, with support from its patron Camilla, to give young journalists working across print, broadcast, digital, and social media the opportunity to invest in their career development and overcome financial challenges to joining the industry.

He proved to be the Three Lions’ secret weapon at the 2026 World Cup, helping England to a third place finish by scoring seven goals. 

Now Jude Bellingham, 23, is enjoying a well-earned rest with a holiday in Hawaii, sharing a slew of shirtless snaps while he lives it up with his girlfriend Ashlyn Castro. 

The posts have gone down a treat with his newfound fans, after Jude-mania reached fever pitch this month when he was crowned England’s highest goalscorer in a single World Cup tournament. 

Such was the public outpouring of love for Jude that it inspired a new viral trend: a Jude Bellingham lookalike contest. 

Yet there can only be one official Jude – and he’s been revelling in his heartthrob status with a slew of thirst traps of late. 

Now Jude, 23, is enjoying a well earned rest with his girlfriend Ashlyn Castro

Advertisement

Jude has been revelling in his heartthrob status with a slew of thirst traps of late.

Unfortunately for anyone with a bit of a crush on Jude, he is happily loved-up with American model Ashley, 28, who has unfairly been targeted with online hate from Jude’s mega fans.

‘She’s a gold digger,’ wrote one. ‘That’s why most of his fans don’t like her. Her entire goal is to be a Wag, it doesn’t matter to who.’

Ashlyn has hit back at the allegations, saying they are ‘disrespectful’ and completely untrue.

‘Going out with Jude, with his huge following of young girls who are infatuated with him is a little like being one of Harry Styles’ girlfriends,’ an industry insider told the Daily Mail’s Katie Hind.

 ‘The only way these people know how to deal with it is by saying horrible things. It’s been hard for her, they were total lies.’

As for what the future holds, a source predicts wedding bells. ‘There is a real sense that Jude could pop the question soon.’

Indeed Ashlyn proved to be a supportive WAG this month, proudly cheering on Jude during all his World Cup games and when he was named man-of-the-match. 

Yet Jude’s World Cup appearance was not without controversy, as he furiously hit out at ‘shocking’ refereeing decisions after England’s World Cup semi-final heartbreak against Argentina.

He made a point of confronting Ismail Elfath – Lionel Messi’s favourite referee – to share his grievances after England’s 2-1 loss.

He shared shirtless snaps at the beach while playing a card game and enjoying snacks

Jude also showed off his bulging biceps in a vest, with the fashion forward star looking as stylish as ever in a black tank top and red scarf, adding a tweed flat cap 

Advertisement

Jude also sent fans wild back in May when he shared shirtless snaps on his holiday in Cannes

Jude’s younger brother Jobe also got in on the action, with the pair posing together for snaps

Unfortunately for anyone with a bit of a crush on Jude, he is happily loved-up with American model Ashley, 28, who has unfairly been targeted with online hate from Jude’s mega fans

Leandro Paredes and Enzo Fernandez were seen as particularly dirty in the opening exchanges of the match.

Both teams came into the match with a heightened sense of rivalry after the South American side’s declarations throughout the tournament that the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina.

Fresh footage from the referee’s camera has been released by FIFA and in it, Jude is seen saying to the referee: ‘Some shocking ones there, but all the best.’

Jude later slapped Argentina rival Valentin Barco on the back of the head as scenes turned ugly in Atlanta.

In the build-up to the flashpoint, Spurs captain and Argentina defender Cristian Romero was seen goading Bellingham when the final whistle was blown.

He went over to Valentin and slapped him on the back of the head.

The full-back then turned around and pushed Jude with tempers flaring. Nicolas Otamendi also came over and gave the England man a shove.

Several Argentine players attempted to act as peacemakers but it looked as if Jude and Nicolas wanted more head-to-head action – even when they were separated.

Jude also clashed with Lionel Messi in the semi-finals, though England fans have to admit that the Argentinian legend was brilliant towards the end of the match, setting up both of his country’s goals.

Friday, 27 July 1979 – Suzanne and her sister, Michelle, left Neave Comprehensive School in Harold Hill and caught the bus to Romford train station. They caught the train to central London.

Her sister recalls walking near Arsenal’s then Highbury Stadium. She cannot recall where they stayed.

Saturday, 28 July 1979 – They met a number of boys, aged around 14 to 17, while walking around a fair on Highbury Fields. The boys took them to stay at a squat around 15 minutes’ walk away.

Sunday, 29 July 1979 – Monday, 30 July 1979 – The girls spent two nights at the squat.

Tuesday, 31 July 1979 – Michelle returned to the family home in Leamington Road, Harold Hill, expecting Suzanne to return the following morning.

Wednesday, 1 August 1979 – Suzanne did not return to the family home. Michelle told her mother what had happened.

Thursday, 2 August 1979 – Police were informed that Suzanne was missing.

If you are unsure where to stay along the coast, you might want to visit Druridge Bay, a calm beach with miles of sand.

The beach runs from Amble to Cresswell, meaning you could walk between the two areas if you are looking for a long hike to do.

The beach is dog-friendly all year round, making it an ideal spot for letting pets run off some steam.

Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round. (Image: Tripadvisor)

What is Druridge Bay beach like?

The sandy beach is backed by grassy dunes and features the remains of pill boxes and anti-tank blocks that had been placed there during the Second World War.

The area is popular with birdwatchers, as it is rich with wildlife including golden plover and purple sandpipers.

Just behind the beach, you can find the Druridge Bay Country Park that features a meadow, woodland area, and a lake to explore.

There is a play area for children with lots of swings and climbing equipment for them to run around and enjoy.

The nearby village of Widdrington is home to the Widdrington Inn, a traditional pub with “outdoor seating that is perfect in the summer, and a comfortable interior all year round.”

The pub has a menu with a range of classic dishes available, such as butter chicken curry, steak and ale pie, and even a Yorkshire pudding wrap loaded with beef, chips, and gravy.

If you visit on a Sunday, you can enjoy the pub’s roast with plenty of choices in terms of meat, with each dish served with roast and mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a Yorkshire pudding.

There is also a children’s menu and plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians, meaning everyone is catered for.

What do visitors of Druridge Bay say?

One reviewer on Tripadvisor said: “One of the cleanest beaches we have ever visited!

“Dogs absolutely loved it.

“Free parking, short walk over the sand dunes onto the huge beach.”

Another reviewer said: “One of our favourite places in the UK.

“Wide sandy beach, great playground for toddlers, fantastic welcome at the cafe and a lovely walk around the lake.

“Highly recommend Druridge for a day out with toddlers and young children.”

Other commenters have praised the surrounding area including the country park, saying it is “brilliant.”

What do you think of Druridge Bay Beach? Let us know in the comments below.

Under current legislation, e-scooters and e-bikes are deemed to be motor vehicles

Three people have been arrested and more than 20 vehicles seized in a police crackdown on illegal and antisocial use of e-bikes and scooters.

The PSNI in Lurgan carried out two days of targeted actions against e-scooters and scramblers over Friday July 31 and Saturday August 1. Over this period a total of 23 vehicles were seized, two adults were arrested and a further two cautioned for motoring offences.

One child was arrested and referred to the Youth Diversion Officer.

PSNI Sergeant Adam Patterson said: “A 17-year-old boy was stopped by police riding an e-bike on the wrong side of the road.

“He attempted to make off from police, but was arrested on suspicion of driving offences and possession of a class B controlled drug.

“It was later established that the e-bike had been stolen. Following questioning, the boy has been released on bail to allow for further inquiries.

“Local officers – in both uniform and plain clothes – were supported in the Two Wheel Vehicle Operation by colleagues from Air Support Unit, who deployed a drone in the area, and our District Support Team.”

Sergeant Patterson continued: “Twenty three nuisance vehicles are now off the road and, as these uninsured vehicles are not road legal, they will be disposed of by police within 14 days of seizure unless the owner requests a review by the magistrates’ court, at the owner’s expense.

“Under current legislation, e-scooters and e-bikes are deemed to be motor vehicles, meaning the rider must have a driving licence and the vehicle must be taxed, insured and fitted with lights and a number plate.

“From a safety point of view, their inappropriate use in public spaces poses a risk to the safety of both rider and the public.

“People have already been seriously hurt as a result of their use.

“The number of vehicles seized demonstrates the scale of this problem.

“As we do all we can to detect offenders, we’d ask that our local community continues to report the illegal and dangerous driving of these vehicles so we can help to make our roads safer for everyone.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our
articles.

Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local
services.

These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local
community.

It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need
as much support as possible during these challenging times.