PARENTS in Hampshire have been warned after children were seen riding bikes without helmets. 

In a Facebook post, police in Test Valley said they had seen children riding their bikes with their helmet hanging from the handlebars. 

They also claimed that they had seen three already in just one day. 

Now they have warned parents to help in encouraging their children to wear a helmet. 

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: "It always baffles me to see kids and young adults riding their bikes with a cycle helmet hanging off the handlebars rather than on their head - 3 today so far.

"Having seen the devastation caused when a cyclist comes off, I urge you all to educate, encourage and convince your children that to wear a helmet might save their life."

The post was met with support from the public with one social media user, Catherine Hosen, commenting: "I have a friend who owes her life to her cycle helmet.

"I always wear mine when cycling and have taught my children to always wear theirs. They should be compulsory, brain damage is not cool."

Another, Peter Redmond added: "I once worked in a Head injuries hospital, helmets can save lives!"