Cyclist assaulted by two men who ‘threatened to cut his legs off’ in unprovoked attack
Police are investigating after the shocking incident
A cyclist in his 60s was assaulted by two men who "threatened to cut his legs" off in an unprovoked attack.
The victim was approached by the two attackers in a 4x4-style vehicle, police have said, and the men then punched him in the face an threatened to cut his legs off if they saw him in the area again.
Officers from Bedfordshire Police have launched an investigation into the terrifying incident, which happened in Ely Way, Luton between 9.30am and 9am on Thursday, August 15.
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PC Paul Mahon said: “This was a shocking and seemingly unprovoked attack which has left the victim with really nasty injuries.
“If anyone was in the area at the time, potentially recognises the description of the vehicle, or has any other information which could help with our enquiries, please get in touch with us.”
A statement from the force said: “We are appealing for information after a cyclist was assaulted.
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The victim, a man in his 60s who lives in the area, was riding a bike along Ely Way, Luton between 8.30am and 9am on Thursday (15 August). He was approached by two men in a 4x4 style vehicle with a registration number ending KBU.
"They punched him in the face and threatened to cut the victim’s legs off if they saw him in the area again. The two suspects who were in the vehicle are described as two white men."
Anyone who may have information about the incident is asked to call police on 101, quoting the reference 40/47101/19.
Alternatively you can report information to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.