Bristol, UK — Three teenage boys have been arrested in connection with a string of assaults on cyclists in Bristol earlier this month, following a spate of incidents involving mopeds.
The assaults took place between December 3 and 7, with 13 reported incidents involving two or three young men on a moped who allegedly attempted to force cyclists off their bikes. The attacks primarily occurred along Feeder Road, in the southeastern part of the city, though one incident also took place in Netham Park, where a woman was sexually assaulted by men on a moped.
According to Avon and Somerset Police, most of the victims sustained only minor injuries, including grazes and bruising. However, one man suffered a broken collarbone, and a woman was left with broken fingers after being assaulted.
In response to the attacks, the police arrested two boys, aged 16 and 14, last week. A third suspect, a 15-year-old, was arrested earlier this week. All three boys have been released on police bail while investigations continue.
The police are urging anyone who may have witnessed an incident or has relevant footage—such as from dashcams, doorbell cameras, or CCTV—to come forward. A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said, “If you’ve witnessed an incident or have footage, please call 101 and quote reference number 5224321329.”
One cyclist, who was pushed off his bike on Cattle Market Road/Feeder Road, shared his experience on the Bristol Cyclists Facebook group. He recounted, “I got pushed off my bike tonight by two people all in black on a moped. They didn’t stop, I heard them laughing as they rode off. I’m alright, just got cuts and bruises. It was on the Motion side of the tunnel.”
The cyclist added that he had reported the assault to the police and warned others, as another rider had been similarly attacked just days before.
A colleague of the man who broke his collarbone spoke to Bristol 24/7, emphasizing the severity of the incidents. “They tried to get me first but I wasn’t going too fast and put my foot down. But my colleague, who was about 50 meters ahead, wasn’t so lucky. I’m keen to ensure as many people who cycle in Bristol are aware and can be vigilant.”
This series of assaults is not the first of its kind. In previous years, similar incidents have been reported, often tied to social media challenges. Last year in France, two men were handed suspended sentences for pushing cyclists off their bikes as part of a stunt in the southwest of the country.
Cycling safety advocates in Bristol are now urging local cyclists to stay alert and consider detouring around areas known for these attacks. The police continue to investigate the spate of incidents, with many in the cycling community calling for swift action to ensure the safety of riders in the city.
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