Northern Ireland

Razor blades left on cycle path could have caused 'serious injury'

CYCLISTS were lucky to escape serious injury after razor-sharp blades were left on a path, police have said.

Police are appealing for witnesses after damage was caused to a cyclist's bike.

Andrew Lee posted images online of the blades and the damage caused to his back tyre.

Mr Lee said the blades, the type used in utility knives, had been left wedged upright in a manhole cover edge.

The incident took place on Saturday on Cregagh Road in east Belfast.

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said it was "absolutely disgusting" adding it was "unbelievable that anyone would be so stupid and destructive".

Green Party councillor Brian Smyth also expressed his anger on Twitter adding he would highlight the issue with Belfast City Council.

He further said there was a need to improve the city's cycling infrastructure.

Sergeant Tom Donnelly said police received a report at around 3.45pm on July 20 that a cyclist's tyres had been damaged after running over the "razor blades".

"This is an incredibly dangerous thing to do and whoever was responsible could have caused serious injury or worse to anyone using the path had this not been found by a member of the public, who themselves were extremely lucky to avoid being badly hurt," he said.

"I would like to commend this member of the public for their vigilance in reporting this matter to police.

"I would appeal to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area at any time, or who can provide any information as to whoever carried out this reckless act, to contact police."