The nasty trap had four inch spikes coming out of it (Credit: Tich Kent)
A mountain biker was injured after he hit a ‘disturbing’ booby trap hidden on a popular bike trail.
Tich Kent’s ride near Philpstoun Bing about 20 miles north-west of Edinburgh took a nasty turn when he hit a sharp object.
It was revealed to be a medieval-looking metal slate with 11 four-inch nails welded into it and placed at the landing of a steep downhill section.
The keen rider went flying from his bike after both of his tyres were hit, leaving him with a puncture wound despite layers of clothing.
Tich during a ride (Credit: Tich Kent’s Facebook)
He said he believed the device was hidden as ‘trail sabotage’ and may have been aimed at riders of motocross bikes.
The 50-year-old said: ‘This is next-level dangerous sabotage’.
A second, similar booby trap was discovered nearby, leading to fears a rider could be seriously injured if they hit them, Mail Online reported.
Mr Kent, an IT worker, was enjoying a Saturday ride out with his wife when the incident happened.
He said on social media: ‘It slashed both my tyres, and my rear wheel flung it up with so much force it went through three layers of clothes, including padded shorts, and I have a puncture wound.
The bing in Philpstoun in West Lothian (Credits: Alamy Stock Photo)
‘I’m still somewhat in shock that someone actually welded this thing together and put it on a trail – it could have caused genuine serious injury.’
And this isn’t even the first time traps have been found buried on the trail.
Another cyclist who discovered a similar device planned to bring a metal detector to check for more traps.
Now police are investigating the incident and they urged users of the trail close to the Union Canal to remain vigilant and report if any more devices are found.