Arron Jennings was riding his scooter across a suburban street in Anfield, Liverpool, near traffic lights when he was in collision with a taxi. His death follows a sharp increase in the number of accidents.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said that the craze, responsible for hundreds of broken limbs, cuts and head injuries, could result in more deaths. Roger Vincent, a spokesman, said: “The death of this little boy is our worst fears come true. This is what we were hoping would not happen and what we have been warning against.”

The organisation urged riders to wear helmets and knee pads.

The lightweight, fold-up scooters became popular this year after being taken up by celebrities such as Robbie Williams, Jude Law and Kylie Minogue. It became fashionable for commuters to weave through crowded city streets on them. However, the majority of accidents have involved children, often riding cheaper models.

The accident in which Arron was killed happened after school on Monday. He died in Royal Liverpool Hospital.

His mother, Karen Coppell, was too upset to comment last night, but his teachers spoke of a popular, lively boy, who enjoyed maths and PE. Tony Hegarty, headmaster of St Michael’s School, in Anfield, said: “It is a dreadful thing to have happened but with the popularity of these micro-scooters, it was inevitable it would happen somewhere. We are going to make sure that all the children are aware just how dangerous they can be.”

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