OFFICERS are warning motorists to take extra care while driving during May, after it was revealed more people are likely to be killed or seriously injured on the roads of Merseyside this month.

Each May, Merseyside Police sees an increase in the number of casualties among child pedestrians, cyclists aged between 11 to 16, drivers and passengers in motor vehicles and motorcyclists.

Since 2006, there have been 221 people killed or seriously injured on the roads of Merseyside during May, compared with 185 in April and 197 in June. Last May, 59 people were killed or seriously injured compared with 46 in April and 36 in June. In an effort to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries, officers are holding eight spotlight days in May targeting motorists flouting the driving laws and educating those caught breaking the rules.

One victim of a drink- driver was six-year-old Demi Leigh Royle, who was killed when she was struck in Huyton by Ross Robinson on May 16, 2008.

Demi's mother, Paula Roberts, is now a campaigner to prevent road deaths and is currently fundraising for “Aftermath Support”.