THE cyclist who was pushed off his bike and into the Regent's Canal, (Cycling boater flung into canal) was one of many, the police have revealed.
It was a gang of yobs who pushed boater Peter Bettall into the Regent's Canal as he was returning to his boat, punching him and ripping his clothes, but the police have revealed that he was one of many pushed into the canal over the last few weeks, Roger Fox tells us.
At least five attacks
It was Inspector Anna Brennan, of the Westminster Safer Neighbourhoods Team who is heading the investigation who revealed that at least five attacks took place at various points of the waterway during February, and all on male cyclists cycling alone, telling the Evening Standard:
"These incidents have been very unpleasant for the victims, who may have not suffered particularly serious injuries, but they have been left frightened and highly traumatised by what has happened to them."
Dispersal order
Police have introduced a dispersal order on the towpath, in addition to increasing patrols, which allows them to move on groups.
Though there have been no fatalities, with the water not being very deep, anyone suffering a serious medical condition could easily lose their life, especially as the gang throw the bike into the water after the victim, that could then hold them under the water.
Though it is of course not always possible for them to do so, cyclists have been advised not to use the Regent's Canal towpath alone.