Police release harrowing video of moment six-year-old cyclist hit by drug driver
The driver Harry Summersgill was driving at 60mph in a residential area while under the influence of cannabis, cocaine and ketamine
Police have released a harrowing video showing the moment a six-year-old cyclist was hit by a drug driver.
Noah Herring was riding his bike on a designated cycle lane with his dad James, on their way to a park in February 2021, when driver Harry Summersgill hit them with his car while travelling at 60mph in a residential area.
Summersgill was found to be under the influence of multiple drugs - cannabis, cocaine, and ketamine - at the time of the crash and was arrested by police and later charged.
Noah suffered serious injuries as a result of being hit by Summersgill, but miraculously survived.
The young boy’s family have now joined a national campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs and have agreed for footage from the moments around the crash to be released.
Footage has been compiled from helmet camera footage from Noah’s dad’s GoPro, as well as CCTV images from nearby the scene, and police body-worn cameras in the moments after the crash
The video also included disturbing audio of Noah’s dad James phoning for an ambulance as his son screams in pain after the crash.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Inspector Dave Williams, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Noah and James were out riding their bikes and having a pleasant morning when Harry Summersgill, knowingly under the influence of a cocktail of drugs, drove his car and struck Noah at high speed.
"Noah’s family know how lucky they were that day; the outcome could have been much worse and we’re all thankful that it wasn’t.
“To anyone who may get into their car with the intention of driving whilst under the influence; I would urge you to watch this footage and see the horrendous circumstances for yourself.
“No driver should ever take risks like these. It is unacceptable and we won’t tolerate anyone who takes drugs or drinks alcohol and gets behind the wheel of their vehicle.
“Our message is simple. Don’t do it.”
The crash happened in Yarm Road, Stockton on February 28 this year, when 24-year-old Summersgill hit Noah at more than 60mph in a 30mph zone.
Summersgill was arrested at the scene and was later charged with driving under the influence of drugs. He has since been jailed for three years.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
At just 5.5kg for under £1,000, this hill climb special proves you can save the pennies and the pounds
Weighing just 5.5kg, and costing less than a grand, light and cheap can co-exist if you know where to look
By Luke Friend Published
-
The land of legends: Riding on Tadej Pogačar's home roads
As part of our New Worlds issue in Travel Month, Chris Marshall Bell travelled to Slovenia to find out why it produces so many WorldTour riders per head of population.
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published