A cyclist who rode into a barbed wire trap set on a trail required stitching for his wounds. A police investigation is now underway into the incident, with the injured cyclist publicising his experience to warn others.
Tony Roberts was out riding on trails in Rhondda Valley in south Wales when he rode into a trap; barbed wire stretched across the trail. He rode into it, suffering severe lacerations to his neck that required 17 stitches.
The police are now investigating the incident in a bid to identity the person who set the hidden trap for riders using the area.
A friend of Roberts (39) shared the images of his injuries on a social media post (below) and his wife, Koral Clarke, spoke to the South Wales Argus newspaper about what had happened.
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In the image at the top of this story we have pixilated the injuries. However, the full images are contained in the social media post below. Reader discretion is advised. If you don't want to view the images please don't scroll down after the remainder of the story below.
“The wire was hidden in a tree line so couldn’t have been seen. His injuries are quite severe resulting in 17 stitches," Ms Clarke said.
“Specialist doctors were wondering if he needed surgery but luckily the surgeon managed to stitch him and he was allowed to come home to us.
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"I’m so glad I’m not planning a funeral right now. He had to unwrap the wire from around his neck.
“As a wife sat at home with our child not being able to do anything was a horrible feeling. I want to spread awareness on how dangerous these acts can be."
Sgt Karl Emerson of South Wales Police said Mr Roberts was "understandably traumatised" and was "lucky not to have sustained an even worse injury", adding the matter was being treated very seriously.
“An investigation into the incident is underway. We can confirm it occurred on Sunday at around midday, on a Bwlch Mountain trail," he said.
“It is understood that the barbed wire was obscured by branches and anybody cycling there should be vigilant and take extra care.
“Local officers are searching the area to identify exactly where the incident occurred and to ensure there is no further risk to the public.”
The Instagram post with the full images is just below, reader discretion advised.
