The police are investigating a spate of attacks on cyclists on the Fallowfield Loop - but have not increased patrols on the route.

The M.E.N has reported thieves have been stalking the south Manchester lanes, affectionately known as the ‘Floop’.

At least three people have been knocked from their bikes and beaten up in the last month.

All victims described being approached by young men, punched from their bikes, assaulted on the floor before having their bikes and gear stolen.

Sustrans, the charity which runs the route, say they had asked the police to increase patrols. But according to GMP, this has not happened.

Det Sgt Geoffrey Machent said: “We have received reports of robberies where pedal bikes have been taken from riders on what’s locally known as the Fallowfield Loop .

“We know residents in the area often use these pathways to walk dogs and ride their bikes throughout the day and evening and I want to reassure them that these crimes are being fully investigated by officers.”

He said they were not currently treating the incidents as linked, but added: “We will continue to try and establish who is responsible for the offences.

“I would encourage bike owners to mark their property as this makes it less attractive to thieves and can help get your possessions back if we recover them.”

He asked that anyone with information contact police on 101.

He added: “You might have also been approached by someone selling a bike – if you are suspicious then please call us.”

Chris Dalgarno-Holt, 45, from Salford, was cycling on the Levenshulme stretch of the loop at 2pm on Sunday.

Chris Dalgarno-Holt
Chris Dalgarno-Holt

Knocked from his bike, he was left dazed, covered in cuts, bruises - and without a £600 bike, his phone and other belongings. He added: “I’m angry. My life was in my bag on the bike.”

Mark Usher’s story is much the same.

Cycling just past the Levenshulme section of the loop on his way home from work in Old Trafford on June 24 at 6.30pm he was jumped by three men, who punched him in the stomach, knocked him from his bike and stole it.

Another cyclist told on Facebook of two thieves leaving a bike’s owner ‘bleeding and bruised’ on June 29 after an attack as he cycled towards Levenshulme from Reddish on the Fallowfield Loop.