Cyclist injured after wire placed across woodland

The 52-year-old cyclist was mountain biking with his son at Wothersome Woods, off Thorner Lane, at about 5.30pm on Monday, April 20.

While riding, he ran into the thick metal wire which caused him to injure his wrist.

He was knocked off of his bike.

West Yorkshire Police believe that the wire had been deliberately placed there to injure people.

Sergeant Dave Lund, of Leeds District Wildlife and Rural Crime Team, said: “This wire had been deliberately placed across the path with the aim of causing injury to cyclists or walkers. The consequences could easily have been more serious and we are treating this incident as an offence of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.

“The position of the wire would have been at head height for a child riding along the path, and the man was being followed by his son.

“This was clearly a very dangerous thing for someone to do and we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area or who has any information that could assist in identifying who was responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District Wildlife and Rural Crime Team at Garforth Police Station via 101 quoting crime reference 13200196203 or visit www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat.