Welsh police investigate cases of wires being strung across busy bike path

Wires have been found strung at neck height across the Brynmenyn cycle path near Bridgend. After receiving three calls in two days about the wires, police have launched an investigation.

Sergeant Jonathan Ridd said police were taking the matter very seriously and warned whoever was responsible that they were committing “a serious offence which could cause very serious harm to somebody.”

Speaking to Wales Online, he said: “We have increased patrols in the area and are considering other measures that will help us identify who is responsible. For now, it is important that people who legitimately use the area such as walkers, joggers and cyclists, are aware of this issue and remain vigilant.”

Concerned that the wires may be the work of young people who don’t appreciate the seriousness of their actions, police have also visited local schools to speak to children from the area.

In January, a cyclist rode into wire stretched across a path in Cambridge. The wire caught Garry Seddon across the chest and he said had he been on a bike with drop-handlebars or aerobars, it could have connected with his throat.

More recently, a barbed wire booby trap was found placed at chest height across a bike trail in Wormshill, Kent. Daniel Webster spotted the wire while riding uphill. He said had he been approaching from the other direction, he "never would have stood a chance".