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A young mum-of-three who suffered devastating injuries when she was struck by a scrambler motorbike, has died tonight.

Valerie Armstrong from West Belfast, was injured as she walked near Colin Glen Forest Park on Tuesday evening.

Her family traveled from across Belfast and the Republic of Ireland to be by her bedside as she slipped away shortly before 11pm.

Friends paid tribute to Valerie, who was in her 30s, who they said had “lived for her family”.

One said: “They are just in a state of absolute devastation. Those wee children have been robbed of their mum. It's heartbreaking.”

A police spokesman said tonight: "Following recent incident in Colin Glen Forest Park, mother-of-three Valerie Armstrong has passed away peacefully surrounded by her family."

Priest Fr Vincent Cushnahan said the West Belfast community was rallying behind the stricken family.

He said: “This is a young mother, a wife and the tragedy visited upon them is just horrific.

“The community is supporting them with their prayers and in other ways as well.

“It is very close-knit round here and people’s main concern is her welfare. It is tragic and so sad.”

Mrs Armstrong is originally from the Republic of Ireland but had settled in Belfast after marrying her partner Seamus.

It is understood the popular young woman sustained serious head injuries in the incident.

A 15-year-old and 17-year-old were arrested following the incident.

The 17-year-old has been charged with a number of offences and is expected to appear in Belfast Magistrates Court tomorrow.

Sinn Fein MLA Jennifer McCann said the community in the area had been numbed by the news.

She added that the “thoughts and prayers of the whole community” were with the family.

And Mrs McCann urged people not to ride scramblers and quad bikes in public places.

She said: “These bikes should never be driven in parks or built-up areas and should only be used in designated areas under supervision.

“I want to make an appeal to parents not to buy their children these bikes and if children or young people already own one to take them off them and dispose of them.

“We have seen how people drive around the area in a reckless fashion putting pedestrians, other drivers and themselves in danger.

“No one wants to see another family going through what this family are going through.

“We also need to look at how robust the legislation is in relation to the usage of scramblers and quads and also to ensure that the current legislation is being enforced.

“I will be meeting with the PSNI and other agencies and representatives to ensure we work together to tackle this problem immediately.”

A 15-year-old questioned by detectives has been released on police bail.