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Cyclist who rode into barbed wire trap needed 17 stitches in neck (+ graphic images)

South Wales Police are investigating incident on mountain bike trail in Rhondda Valley

The cyclist who ​rode into a hidden barbed wire trap on a trail in the Rhondda Valley in south Wales at the weekend needed 17 stitches to be inserted into the wounds in his neck, it has emerged.

Pictures of the injuries sustained by Tony Roberts went viral after they were shared online at the weekend, and police are investigating the incident, reports the South Wales Argus.

The 39 year old victim was caught around his throat after riding into the concealed trap on a trail near Gelli on Sunday.

His partner, Koral Clarke, told the newspaper: “The wire was hidden in a tree line so couldn’t have been seen. His injuries are quite severe resulting in 17 stitches.

“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.”

She continued: "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,” she added.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by "Buzz" (@toe_cutter_71)

Anthony Owens, who had also been riding on the trail, said: “This man could have lost his life though someone’s stupidity.

“Watch where you're riding people. This could have been a lot worse.

“All you motocross riders and mountain bikers be careful as there’s some sad people out there.”

Sergeant Karl Emerson of South Wales Police confirmed that the incident was being investigated.

“He [Mr Roberts] was understandably traumatised by his experience and was very lucky not to have sustained an even worse injury,” he said.

“An investigation into the incident is underway. We can confirm it occurred on Sunday at around midday, on a Bwlch Mountain trail.

“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.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 quoting the reference number 442666.

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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6 comments

Avatar
Sriracha | 2 years ago
1 like

The person/s who laid the trap - have they scared themselves stupid? Or are they thinking, "damn, failed"?

Avatar
brooksby | 2 years ago
3 likes

He's lucky that didn't open a vein or something... surprise

Avatar
IanGlasgow replied to brooksby | 2 years ago
3 likes
brooksby wrote:

He's lucky that didn't open a vein or something... surprise

or an artery - he would've bled to death on the spot.

Avatar
brooksby replied to IanGlasgow | 2 years ago
5 likes

Artery... Vein... One of those tubes in your neck that you really really don't want to cut.

Avatar
mdavidford replied to brooksby | 2 years ago
2 likes

Snood?

Avatar
brooksby replied to mdavidford | 2 years ago
0 likes

That's the one!   3

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