A mountain bike trail through popular woods in east Kent has been 'snared' with barbed wire and spikes designed to injure an unsuspecting rider.

The dangerous trap was discovered in King's Wood at Challock near Ashford this evening by a cyclist who posted a warning to fellow riders on the East Kent Mountain Bike Facebook group.

The alarm was raised by Ashley Moore who says the traps were nailed in and he would have to return with bolt croppers to remove them.

Fellow riders have reacted angrily to the snares.

Group member Steve Cool wrote: "What is wrong with these psychopaths? Those traps have taken a lot of thought and preparation.

"Stating the obvious here but someone could be seriously maimed or worse on those nails. Unfortunately with the way this has been done, I think there will be more traps set in future. Be safe and keep a lookout."

Paul Dono added: "That’s dangerous! Need to get the word out before someone gets proper hurt. I’ve ridden there before and see loads of people going up there recently."

The post was shared on the Canterbury Bike Project Facebook page whose administrators said: "Some of the downhill sections have been deliberately sabotaged to cause injury or even worse. This is absolutely disgraceful and a deliberate act to cause injury to riders.

"If you're out riding any trails and see things like this please report to Kent Police.

"As a project we don't know if these are approved trails or private land but either way there is no need for this."

There has been some conflict in woodland between mountain bikers and other users including dog walkers, horse riders and land owners.

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