Cyclist (63) suffers neck injuries from rope tied across beach path

A GRANDMOTHER was left with a broken collar bone and burn mark across her neck after she cycled into a rope deliberately stretched across the promenade at Friars Cliff Beach.

Jan Binning (63), from Christchurch, also suffered a black eye, bruises and cuts after being thrown from her bike.

She had been enjoying an evening cycle ride with her partner along a path by the beach huts at Friars Cliff near to Steamer Point at around 10.15pm last Wednesday.

Although her bike had lights, they did not show up the rope which police believe had been put there deliberately.

Janet cycled into it at throat height and was catapulted 10ft onto the path, landing on her right shoulder.

The rope was attached to a pulley which is normally used to lift the front hatch of a beach hut. It had been tied across the pathway to railings opposite.

Janet’s boyfriend phoned an ambulance and she was taken to hospital where she was treated for her injuries.

Speaking after the accident, Janet said: “Someone probably did it for a prank or a joke and had no idea of the dangerous consequences.

“I really want people to be aware how much harm these silly pranks can cause people. I am in a significant amount of pain and have been left fairly incapacitated for a while because of this.”

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have information about the incident to contact them.

PC James Prowse, of Christchurch police, said: “This was a mindless and very dangerous act that has left the victim with serious injuries.

“The person or people behind this may have believed it was just a silly prank and I would urge them to contact us so we can establish what happened.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190097494.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.