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Canterbury Bicycle Club member 'attacked' by driver in Faversham road rage incident

A cyclist crashed to the ground after he was grabbed by a van driver during a shocking road rage incident.

Members of Canterbury Bicycle Club were out on a ride when a frustrated motorist got caught behind them and started shouting abuse.

Video courtesy of Barry Doggett

When they turned into Brent Hill, Faversham, the driver followed the group, flouting the no-entry warning emblazoned across the junction with Davington Hill.

Seconds later, the man, who was wearing a white jumper and baseball cap, overtook the cyclists, before stopping in Brent Road.

As the riders passed the vehicle he grabbed one, Chas James, and threw him to the ground.

Cyclist Barry Doggett, who recorded the incident, said: “The driver was giving one of the riders towards the back of the group a lot of verbal abuse for being in the way and being on the road.

As the riders passed the vehicle the driver grabbed one and threw him to the ground. Picture: Barry Doggett
As the riders passed the vehicle the driver grabbed one and threw him to the ground. Picture: Barry Doggett

“As we got into the centre of Faversham, I passed the vehicle and could see him getting out.

“The next thing I know he’s got out and grabbed the rider off his bike. We then had a bit of an argument, to say the least.

“The sad thing about it was the guy had his daughter in the front of the car and she was in tears because of the stress caused by her dad.”

Mr James, along with others from the group, confronted the driver, who animatedly attempted to justify his actions.

Soon afterwards, he returned to his van and he and the cyclists continued towards the centre of the town.

Footage recorded by cyclist Barry Doggett shows the dramatic moment the cyclist was thrown from his bike
Footage recorded by cyclist Barry Doggett shows the dramatic moment the cyclist was thrown from his bike

“He was saying we were in the middle of the road and wouldn’t get out of the way,” Mr Doggett, 51, added.

“The reality was there was nowhere else for us to ride; we had to go down the middle of the road because there were parked cars all the way down one side.

“I was very angry. Chas showed remarkable restraint.”

Mr Doggett says he and Mr James – who was left with a sore knee and bruised hip – later reported the incident to police.

The cyclists then had an animated argument with the drive. Picture: Barry Doggett
The cyclists then had an animated argument with the drive. Picture: Barry Doggett

A spokesman for the force confirmed officers were called at 11.15am on Saturday.

He said: "During the incident the driver is reported to have exited the vehicle and assaulted a cyclist.

"No serious injuries have been reported and enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing."

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

Read more: All the latest news from Faversham

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