Three boys were arrested this week in Bristol, southwest England, following a series of attacks on cyclists earlier this month.
Police have identified 13 incidents, all involving two or three riders on a moped pushing or trying to push cyclists off the bike, which occurred between December 3 and 7. No new reports have emerged since then
According to Avon and Somerset PoliceMost escaped with scrapes and bruises, but one man suffered a broken collarbone and a woman suffered a broken finger after being attacked. The attacks occurred mainly on branch lines south-east of Bristol.
Meanwhile, a woman was sexually assaulted by a man on a moped in Netham Park in the city’s east.
A police press release on Wednesday said: “Two boys, aged 16 and 14, were arrested last week and have been released on police bail while inquiries continue. A 15-year-old boy who was arrested earlier this week has also been released on police bail. Released on police bail.”
“If you witnessed the incident or have dash cam, doorbell or CCTV footage please call 101 quoting reference number 5224321329.”
exist Bristol Cycling Team Facebook Group Earlier this month, one cyclist wrote: “Tonight I was pushed off my bike by two men in black on a moped. They didn’t stop and I heard them riding laughing out loud.
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“I’m fine, just got cuts and scrapes. It was on Cattle Market Road/Feeder Road, the Motion side of the tunnel.
“A report has been made to the police. Posting here because I saw a fellow cyclist was similarly attacked on a spur route a week ago. Please be careful in this area or consider a detour if possible.”
A colleague of the man with a broken collarbone told reporters Bristol News Website Bristol 24/7: “They tried to catch me first, but I didn’t drive too fast and held my ground, but my colleague about 50m in front of me wasn’t so lucky.
“I am keen to ensure as many Bristol cyclists as possible are aware of this and remain vigilant to help ensure police take this incident seriously.”
It’s not the first time people have been reportedly pushed off bikes “just for fun”. In the past, this was about social media stunts.
Last year, in France, two men were given suspended sentences for pushing a cyclist off their bicycles in the country’s southwest. In November we reported the story of Charlie Moloney, who suffered concussion after being attacked by a van passenger.
