Police in Linlithgow have launched a fresh appeal to trace the creator of a home-made ‘stinger’ which injured a cyclist.
Officers are still investigating the anti-tyre device which was left on a track on Philpstoun in March – potentially to deter motorcycles which are used regularly on the bings.
But the only biker it did trap was one local on a mountain bike, taking out the tyres and injuring the rider.
Talking to Linlithgow Local Area Committee this week Sergeant Liam Arbuthnot said “Inquiries are continuing but there have been no more incidents reported.”
The police ward report to the committee added: “Routine patrols continue to be carried out in and around the ward areas in relation to off-road motorbikes.
“Inquiries remain ongoing regarding the use of spikes being left on the ground to where off-road bikes are being driven within the Philpstoun bing area.
“Foot patrols have been carried out where the majority of calls are received regarding illegal use of bikes. This has resulted in engaging with members of the public and dog walkers, providing reassurance required.
“We urge members of the public to contact police with information regarding information and identity of the riders when possible.
It added: “Inquiry remains ongoing at present to identify a suspect.”
It was previously reported in March that a Linlithgow cyclist, Tich Kent, was injured by a set of home-made spikes, made out of nails welded to a metal plate.
The 50-year-old was riding down the north bing near Philpstoun on Saturday, 2 March, with his wife when he travelled over the strip of rusty metal with several nails welded to it.
Travelling downhill at speed, the spikes were kicked up by his back tyre and punctured his skin through several layers of clothing as he came to a halt and warned his wife, who was following closely behind.
Another home-made device was found later the same day further along the same track.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed there had been reports of the home-made traps laid in March.
Police Scotland told the Local Democracy Reporting Service this week: “At that time officers carried out enquiries and patrols in the area and although no-one was identified there have been no recent reports of these spikes.”
A stinger is more formally known as a tactical deflation device to burst car tyres – an interconnected roll of pliable metal spikes- normally used by police officers to stop vehicles they are pursuing, or which are being driven dangerously.
By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency. It is funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector (in Edinburgh that is Reach plc (the publisher behind Edinburgh Live and The Daily Record) and used by many qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover news about top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
