Children and cyclists fall victim to ‘dangerous and disgraceful’ act

Police have launched an investigation after “hundreds” of sharp objects were deliberately scattered on a recently opened bike path.

Children and cyclists have fallen victim to a callous act in northeast NSW after hundreds of tacks, nails and screws were sprinkled on a bike trail.

Police from Tweed Byron Police District began an investigation after being notified of the tacks, laid on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail between Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby, earlier this month.

Police have called the behaviour 'dangerous and disgraceful'. Picture: Facebook

The objects were found on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail between Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby. Picture: Facebook.

“We’ve had several reports of people injured, or children who have needed to push their bikes a number of kilometres, due to flat tyres caused by tacks scattered over the track,” Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Kehoe said.

“This dangerous and disgraceful behaviour has impacted many members of our community and I’d urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Murwillumbah police.”

Community members and police have recovered hundreds of tacks, nails and screws along the bike track. Picture: Facebook

Community members worked with police to remove the sharp objects, believed to have been deliberately placed on the track that just recently opened.

Police believe those responsible have likely underestimated the seriousness of the offence.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Murwillumbah police or Crime Stoppers.

Originally published as Children and cyclists fall victim to ‘dangerous and disgraceful’ act