Cyclist rushed to hospital after riding into sadistic wire trap on popular trail

A cyclist ended up in hospital after riders were targeted with sadistic wire traps "deliberately" placed at head height on a popular trail.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, wire traps and logs were found blocking trails and paths in Swansea and Cardiff, resulting in the injury to one cyclist and potentially deadly near-misses for others.

Shortly before 3pm on Saturday, May 23, Neil Nunnerley was riding on a path in woodland near to Taff's Well Quarry, about one and a half miles from his home in Radyr.

He sustained injuries to his mouth, face and chest when he hit a barrier made of wire and branches that was stretched across the trail.

Neil thinks he was travelling at "roughly 15 miles per hour" at the time.

"The trap was set across the track with woven branches within it that were fixed horizontally. It wasn’t until I saw the branch I realised it was a trap.

"One of the branches struck me and got lodged in my mouth whilst the wire caught my chest and the lower of my neck.

"I was pulled from my bike and fell backwards striking my head on the floor. Thankfully, my helmet saved me.

"Being a biker, my first reaction was to check the bike. It was then, when I looked down, that the blood started to pour from my mouth, then the pain hit and the realisation of what had just happened," Neil said.

After calling his wife and sending her images of his injuries, Neil rode home, washed his wounds and sought medical assistance.

"I was more than hesitant to go to the hospital in fear of the virus and the current situation we find ourselves in.

"My wife called the out-of-hours surgery who forwarded her to the hospital. The hospital assured us that A&E is a safe zone and that I should attend.

"My injuries include bruising to my chest and neck and a swollen mouth with three stitches.

"Although my injuries are minor this could have been a lot worse," he added.

Neil, 47, has been riding in the area for over 30 years but said he had never seen something like this before.

He reported the incident to South Wales Police and went back to the scene accompanied by an officer on Saturday evening but the trap had been removed.

"It has been suggested that the person who set the trap may have been close by and may have even been watching.

"There are many footpaths in this area and the bikers tend not to ride in those areas, there have been reports of motorbikes riding in the woods but again they tend to ride away from the bikers and walkers.

"Lots of walkers have been complaining about both bikes and motorbikes that are riding in the woods, but both sets of riders have done this for many, many years.

"Due to what is happening in the world today, more and more people are out walking for exercise than ever before.

Neil said he was "mending quickly" and had been for a quick ride on Monday.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said: "The incident was reported to police at around 5pm on May 23.

"Officers attended the scene with the cyclist and no wire could be found on the trees or any others nearby.

"Understandably, some time had passed between the incident and the matter being reported due to the cyclist seeking medical attention at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

"Anyone with information is asked to please contact South Wales Police on 101, quoting occurrence number *178556."

In Swansea, another obstacle was found across a trail on Kilvey Hill when a thick branch was placed between two trees at around chest height.

The track has been used by mountain bikers for decades and is a Natural Resources Wales approved course with clear signs and safety measures in place.

Earlier this month, over 100 drawing pins were found scattered on a bike path, which is also popular with families and dog walkers, in Swansea.

The trails are maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers who ensure the path is clear and safe for riders and walkers.

In the picture of the latest incidence of 'trail sabotage' there is a wooden sign in the background which clearly says 'Araf - Slow', warning riders that the trail is about to cross the walking path.

"It is getting worse during lockdown. It's not just here, it's all over the country. In other areas people have used barbed wire and stretched it across the trail," added Scott.

A spokesman for South Wales Police said: "I can confirm that damage to signs in the area have been reported to South Wales Police.

"Anyone with information is asked to call South Wales Police on 101 and quote reference 2000179201."