Protestors Disrupt Cycling Event

Police are investigating a protest at a cycling event in the New Forest this weekend.

Drawing pins were thrown in the road and hundreds of signs were pulled down at UK Cycling Events' Spring Sportive at Boldre, near Brockenhurst over the weekend.

The organisers say marshals removed the pins and replaced the safety signs - and the event was unaffected. But they say a local cyclist not taking part did get a puncture, fell off and broke their collarbone.

UK Cycling Events added that it was a small minority of people and most local residents were very supportive of the event.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson says:

"We were made aware of the some tacks being put on the roads which caused some punctures. There were also hundreds of signs that were vandalised by people unknown. The organisers quickly replaced these but have reported it to us.

There was also a protest by around 35 people against the event which caused some problems on the bit of road where they held it, which we attended and those involved quickly moved on when we arrived."

Anyone with information about the signs or tacks in the road should call the Safer Neighbourhood Team at Lymington Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.