A fundraiser for a Stranraer cyclist who was injured when he was knocked off his bike in what was described as an unprovoked attack by another cyclist has topped £2,800. Police Scotland has confirmed that a suspect has now been charged in connection with the violent assault. 

Cyclist pushed off bike in Stranraer
Cyclist pushed off bike in Stranraer (Image Credit: Facebook)

The victim, named Michael but known locally as ‘Squeaky’, is shown riding on Commerce Road in the Dumfries and Galloway town of Stranraer on a road bike. He is approached by a mountain bike rider dressed in black, who proceeds to knock into him, sending Michael crashing to the ground.

The mountain bike rider is shown kicking Michael’s bike away and dismounting towards the end of the clip due to the force of the collision. Michael is left on the ground – and on the wrong side of the road – as a car driver approaches.

The person behind the camera, riding a BMX, appears to laugh before shouting “Oh my god” after the collision.

It has now emerged that a young male has now been charged in relation to the incident.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland told STV News: “A male youth has been charged in connection with assault after a man was pushed off his bike in Commerce Road, Stranraer, on Monday. A report will be submitted to the relevant authorities.”

Stranraer locals were quick to condemn the senseless violence when the video was shared on Facebook, with several claiming to know Michael personally. One described him as “harmless” and said the video “turned my stomach”, while several called for the culprit to be arrested.

GoFundMe page for Stranraer cyclist
GoFundMe page for Stranraer cyclist (Image Credit: GoFundMe)

The GoFundMe page – titled ‘Lets get Michael aka Squeaky a new bike’ – describes Michael as “a kind gentle soul who “wouldn’t hurt a fly”: [“Let’s] help get him safety equipment and cameras so he feels safe to be able to get back on his bike”, continued the organiser of the crowdfunder.

The GoFundMe can be found here.