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Police close case in which Norfolk cyclist injured by rope strung across path

Officers say "all lines of enquiry have been exhausted" regarding incident which left rider with "severe lacerations"...

Police in Norfolk have closed a case relating to a cyclist who was injured when he rode into a rope that had been strung across a cycle path in Thetford at head height.

The incident happened in woods adjacent to Edinburgh Way on Monday 24 August, with the victim, a 25-year-old man, sustaining “extensive lacerations.”

Pieces of wood with nails sticking out of them were also discovered at head height on alleyways used by cyclists between Durham Way and Edinburgh Way.

However the investigation has now been closed, reports the Eastern Daily Press.

A spokesman for Norfolk Constabulary said: “All lines of enquiry have been exhausted and the case has been closed.

“As always should any new information come to light, we will review this accordingly,” he added.

Police have asked anyone who has information to call them on 101 quoting the crime reference: 36/60081/20.

Alternatively, people can call the charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

In an appeal launched immediately after the incident in August, PC Nik Harris said: “We are concerned as these throughways are sometimes used by cyclists on their way to from work.

“We do not know why the rope and wood has been put in place but it may be in attempt to discourage cyclists and bikers.

“We would ask you report anti-social behaviour in the areas to police rather than take matters into your own hands if this is the case.

“Although we know these routes are not strictly meant for cyclists or bikers we do not want to find people are being seriously injured.”

Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.

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17 comments

Avatar
Titanus | 4 years ago
3 likes

“Although we know these routes are not strictly meant for cyclists or bikers we do not want to find they are being mutilated either. Unfortunately we simply do not know what to do”

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Captain Badger replied to Titanus | 4 years ago
6 likes

Titanus wrote:

“Although we know these routes are not strictly meant for cyclists or bikers ..... ”

I picked up on that line too, a really odd thing to say. What does "not strictly meant for cyclists" actually mean? Is it prohibited? If so it's irrelevant. if not then it is legitimate to cycle there.

Someone has taken a premeditated course of action with the full intent of maiming or killing others, and the rozzers appear to be hedging in their condemnation. And the drivists call Mikey a vigilante.....

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Tom_77 replied to Captain Badger | 4 years ago
2 likes

Looks like a path that's not alongside the road, can't see any No Cycling signs so it's not illegal to cycle down these. ( Reference )

 

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AlsoSomniloquism replied to Tom_77 | 4 years ago
2 likes

I think it is the woods behind the houses where the rope was strung. Might have been aimed more at motorbikers then cyclists as well although obviously any trap is not discerning once "laid". 

 

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Awavey replied to AlsoSomniloquism | 4 years ago
1 like

yes, fwiw my guess is these were put down to stop motocross riders who have been damaging the trails in the forest, and riding on routes they arent legally permitted to and generally being a nuisance for a number of years,several articles on it in local newspapers, and local resident complaints had surged even before lockdown began...so you dont have to Sherlock Holmes to work out what might have happened, and the cyclist was unfortunately caught up in it, because these things dont discriminate who they injure.

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Captain Badger replied to Awavey | 4 years ago
2 likes

Does this mean that the cyclist was unfortunate collateral damage in the just war against evil moto-x-ers?

Sounds like whoever installed these improvised AP devices is a w8nker who needs bringing to book to me

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brooksby replied to Captain Badger | 4 years ago
7 likes

Captain Badger wrote:

Does this mean that the cyclist was unfortunate collateral damage in the just war against evil moto-x-ers?

Cyclists appear to be "unfortunate collateral damage" a great deal of the time...

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Awavey replied to Captain Badger | 4 years ago
2 likes

absolutely, it could easily have caught someone walking their dog or going for a daily walk with their childen, these things dont discriminate as I said,so  it doesnt justify why they were put there just because its obvious who the targets were instead, but unless the person, or persons, responsible admit to it, the police wont have anything to go on

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brooksby replied to Captain Badger | 4 years ago
6 likes

So if all those people in the Lake District who would argue that their green lanes aren't strictly intended for motor touring start laying caltrops or something, the police will be OK with that?

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Captain Badger replied to brooksby | 4 years ago
0 likes

That would seem to be the gist.....

Meanwhile, in Texas, America....

https://www.newsbreak.com/news/1597231202576/sheriffs-office-seeks-help-...

 

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markieteeee replied to brooksby | 4 years ago
4 likes

The pavements in my area aren't strictly meant for cars, so I take it I'm okay to hit any I see parked on them with a massive spanner. As long as I don't hit something it's meant for, I should be fine. 

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0-0 | 4 years ago
4 likes

“All lines of enquiry have been exhausted", that's code for "We don't have a f**king clue".
Or "We looked on Google Maps to find the location. No one had filmed it, so -shrugs-".

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Hirsute replied to 0-0 | 4 years ago
0 likes

Not exactly a densely populated area, so unless someone turns them in as a relative, it does not surprise me.

I noted on a walk today, that Norfolk police use drones to keep tabs on things, so at least they are keeping up with technology.

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Captain Badger replied to Hirsute | 4 years ago
3 likes

hirsute wrote:

Not exactly a densely populated area, so unless someone turns them in as a relative....

I'm sure there's an opportunity for a joke in there.....

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wtjs | 4 years ago
6 likes

This is just another example where many people find it acceptable to either threaten to kill or injure cyclists, or set up traps with the aim of injuring or killing cyclists. Only 2 days ago, I was threatened by the driver of the Transit below, GU69 UUL, on the A6 near Preston that he and his friends would 'sort me out' for filming traffic offences. He reversed 30 yards the wrong way down the A6 to shout the threat.This has been reported as a 'hate crime' to the police, so we will see if they do anything or if they view such a threat as acceptable behaviour which they don't even need to pretend to take seriously.

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rcbroughton | 4 years ago
9 likes

Have the police tried contacting Rod Liddle at the Sunday Times?  In an article in that rag back in May this year he wrote, whilst complaining about family out riding their bikes: "My wife has persuaded me that, strictly speaking, it is against the law to tie piano wire at neck height across the road. Oh, but it’s tempting."

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eburtthebike replied to rcbroughton | 4 years ago
6 likes

Or Matthew Parris?

"What is smug and deserves to be decapitated."

Most press complaints of 2008.  But he did apologise "I'm sorry cyclists don't have a sense of humour."  I'd say what I thought of him, but I don't want to waste my subscription by getting banned.

https://road.cc/content/news/3069-what%E2%80%99s-smug-and-deserves-be-de...

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