Dozens of nails found strewn across popular Greater Manchester cycling route

Campaigners have hit out after dozens of small nails were found strewn across a popular cycling route used by cyclists, families and children.

The horrific discovery on the Fallowfield Loop - an off-road cycle path - was made by a cyclist early on Bank Holiday Monday. Dozens of what appear to be small metal tacks were found scattered across the path's surface, although it's understood that thankfully no one was hurt.

READ MORE: Two boys, 15 and 16, arrested as knife found after crash involving 'car used in robbery'

Images of the nails were posted up to X, formerly Twitter, and were quickly condemned by Walk Ride GM, a group campaigning for active travel around Greater Manchester. The body wants to improve cycling and walking in the city region.

Walk Ride GM said in a post on X in response to the discovery: "A cycle route enjoyed by families with kids on a bank holiday Monday What would possess someone to do this?"

The Fallowfield Loop follows the route of a former railway line and is said by the charity Sustrans, the custodian of the National Cycle Network, to be 'ideal for families and new cyclists who need to build up their confidence away from road traffic'.

The line runs for around four kilometres south of Manchester city centre, linking parks and open spaces, along the old Manchester Central railway line.

The route begins at St Werburgh's Metrolink stop in Chorlton and runs through Levenshulme, past Debdale Park and Gorton reservoirs to Fairfield station. It's part of National Cycle Network Route 60.

It's not known whether the discovery of the nails has been reported to Greater Manchester Police.