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Hilarious footage appears to show a police officer showing schoolchildren how to safely cycle down stairs - only to topple off over the handlebars himself.

The Police Scotland officer was demonstrating the method to youngsters at Prestwick Academy in South Ayrshire when he took the tumble.

The footage, filmed on an onlookers camera phone, shows the officer in full police uniform wearing a helmet as he cycles across a short foot bridge at the school.

The funny clip has been likened to something out of hit BBC police sitcom 'Scot Squad' as the officer takes a tumble down the stairs.

As he approaches six concrete steps, he slows down and attempts to cycle down while being watched by his colleague and a group of onlookers.

But the demonstration takes a turn for the worst when the bungling officer finds himself being launched over the handlebars.

As he rolls on to the floor, the bike can be seen in the background while onlookers react in shock.

One person can be also be heard saying "Oh crikey" - however it is unknown whether it's from the crowd or the officer himself.

The clip has attracted almost 1,000 retweets since being shared on Twitter today.

The Twitter user who uploaded the video, known only as Derek, said today (TUE): "Police were staging a safe way for kids to go down the stairs on their bikes and the policeman failed miserably.

"He took it in good spirits. He was fine, just a bit embarrassed."

Twitter users have been quick to react to the calamity online.

One follower wrote: "Just gets better with every watch."

Another said: "Must have been gutting yourself. Surprised they never made you delete it."

And one person added: "Like that bloody programme Scot Squad."