Police investigating after Northern Rivers Rail Trail at Murwillumbah found littered with tacks, screws and nails

Riders have been hurt and police are on the hunt after part of the popular Northern Rivers Rail Trail was hit by an apparent act of sabotage. Here’s what we know.

Community members and police have recovered hundreds of tacks, nails and screws believed to have been deliberately placed on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail between Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby. Picture: NSW Police

People have been injured and children forced to walk broken bicycles for kilometres after hundreds of tacks, nails and screws were found littered on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

It comes after some particularly vocal railway advocates took issue with the creation of the trail, which was originally going to result in tracks ripped up until a compromise was met.

Police from Tweed Byron Police District have opened an investigation into the suspected sabotage at a recently-opened section of the trail at Murwillumbah in the Tweed Shire.

Officers were alerted to the situation on the trail between Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby earlier this month.

Some of the nasty surprises found on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Picture: NSW Police

Community members and police have since recovered hundreds of tacks, nails and screws, believed to have been deliberately placed on the track.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Kehoe said those responsible may have underestimated how seriously police treat such offending.

Punctures have forced young children to cart broken bikes out by foot. Picture: NSW Police

“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,” he said.

“This dangerous and disgraceful behaviour has impacted many members of our community ...

He urged anyone with information to phone Murwillumbah Police on 6672 9499 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.