A ‘stupid’ and ‘reckless’ rope trap that was deliberately tied across a Wigan path caught out two cyclists who are lucky to be alive after sustaining injuries.
The rope was tied at head level across a temporary footpath on Bryn Road, Bryn, and the first incident occurred on September 5 at 5.30am.
A 51-year-old man was hospitalised by the trap after he suffered a dislocated shoulder and an injury to his nose after he rode into the rope on his commute to work.
Detective Constable Andrew Hill, Wigan CID, said: “This is one of the stupidest and most reckless acts I have ever seen.
“It’s only by sheer good luck that these innocent cyclists weren’t seriously injured or even killed.
“Whoever did this deliberately placed the rope at head height for optimum effect, and it could so easily have proved devastatingly successful.”
An hour after the first victim fell afoul of the snare a 41-year-old man was caught out and suffered an injury to his nose and facial bruising.
“The victims were using a temporary footpath so it’s conceivable that the culprit had been annoyed at cyclists riding on the path. However, no amount of frustration can ever justify this crime,” DC Hill said.
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5307 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Image courtesy of Professor Cooper with thanks
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