A gang of thieves are stalking the Fallowfield Loop attacking cyclists and stealing their bikes.

The M.E.N has heard of at least three people being knocked from their bikes and beaten up in the last month.

Incidents took place on June 25, another on June 29 and a third on Sunday.

The incidents bear striking similarities - all were attacked by at least two young men who ambushed them, punched them from their bikes, assaulted them again on the floor and then made off with their bikes and belongings.

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

The gardener, who often cycles the route, said: “It was really busy day, there were lots of kids and families.

“But I was on a quiet stretch when I saw two lads up ahead. I sped up to get past them but one of them jumped me. A fist came and thumped me in the side of the face.”

Chris fell to the floor, where he was punched again several times.

“My one consolation was my helmet took two blows, so someone will have a sore hand,” he added.

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.

“Before this I did the loop all the time, I loved it. But it’s not my favourite now. If I cycle there again I’ll make sure other people are always in sight.”

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.

Mark, 50, said: “It was broad daylight, I’ve been so shocked by it.

“It was three lads, all dressed in dark clothing. They pounced on me like hyenas.

“They beat me up and then one ran off with my bike and the other two ran up a hill.”

Mark staggered to a nearby house and called the police. But he hasn’t seen his £600 ‘hybrid’ bike - a 50th birthday present - since.

He added: “I do think the police could do more. All they need to do is get a couple of officers undercover to cycle the loop one afternoon and look for these males.

“I’m trying to do my bit for the environment by cycling to work, it’s important people feel safe.”

Another cyclist has 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.

GMP have been contacted for comment.

Mike Babbitt, Head of Network Development for Sustrans in the North said: " The Fallowfield Loop is a really popular traffic-free path which people use regularly to walk or cycle to school and work.

"We’re very concerned about these recent incidents and we have highlighted them to the Police to patrol the area more frequently.

"If you experience any further crime or anti-social behaviour on the route please report them to the Police and to Sustrans."