Police appeal for cyclist to get in touch after car passenger shoots him with BB gun

Essex Police are appealing for a cyclist to contact them after he came off his bike after being shot with a ball bearing in Elmdon.

The Saffron Walden Reporter reports that the incident occurred on Royston Lane on Sunday, November 3, between 11.30am and 12.30pm.

The force said that a dark blue/green Vauxhall Frontera was reported to have been driving erratically along the country road and that a ball bearing was fired.

The cyclist, described as in his 50s with a grey beard and wearing bright orange, fell into a ditch. The car also spooked four horses and their young riders.

A police spokesperson said: "If you think you might be the cyclist or were in the area the time and witnessed the incident, or have dash cam footage could you please call the rural engagement team on 101 quoting crime reference number 42/175136/19."

Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

In June of last year, several cyclists were shot with a ball bearing gun in Hampshire. Local cyclists suspected that the same person may have also targeted cyclists the previous winter when riders reported being punched and having coins thrown at them by a passenger in a white van.

A year earlier, two boys in Bavaria shot at a group of cyclists with a ball bearing gun from a window.

One of the cyclists turned out to be the King of Thailand and the boys were swiftly tracked down by police.