A cyclist who rode into barbed wire strung between two trees could have been killed, say police.

The incident occurred on Thursday, July 13, on Ministry of Defence land near Coulston Hollow, between Westbury and Devizes.

A young male was riding his bike through the woods when he hit barbed wire that was strung between two trees.

He escaped the collision without any injuries, but police have warned the incident could have been “catastrophic.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The area near Coulston HollowThe area near Coulston Hollow (Image: Wiltshire Police)

A spokesperson for the force said: “This could have been a catastrophic incident and could have ended in a fatality.

“This behaviour puts the lives of all users of the tracks and byways at risk - whether on pushbikes, horses or indeed on foot, whether walking or running.

“Anyone caught involved in this behaviour will be dealt with, with the utmost seriousness.

“If you have any information regarding the incident, please contact Wiltshire Police on 101 quoting reference 54230073262.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The area near Coulston HollowThe area near Coulston Hollow (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Officers have since carried out checks in the area, and did not find any other entanglements, but urged other track users to remain vigilant and stick to marked public rights of way.

The MoD are aware of the incident and have reminded the public the area is actively used.

While they will clean up following training exercises, some equipment can be missed making the area “inherently dangerous.”