Mountain bikers have been warned after an apparent ‘booby trap’ was laid on a forest trail in Cheshire.

A series of wooden spikes were spotted on an unofficial route sometimes used by riders in Delamere Forest.

The posts, believed to be sapling supports from when the trees were planted, had been stuck into the mud on the landing of a bike jump.

They were spotted by a rider who took a picture and it was shared on Facebook by a local bike shop to warn others.

The post by Twelve 50 bikes in Frodsham said: “The vast majority of walkers, horse riders co-exist happily and share the forest without problems.

“However, it seems somebody has an axe to grind and has taken matters into their own hands.

(Image: Mark Waugh)

“Obviously the consequences of riding into this don’t really bear thinking about.

“If you use the Forest and these trails in particular, please keep your eyes open and take care out there, especially if night riding.”

They later added: “Hopefully this is an isolated incident but if anyone does see anything dodgy going on then please report it.”

It is not known if it was a deliberate act of sabotage or a badly judged prank.

The spikes have now been removed by the government organisation which runs the 970-hectare woodland in west Cheshire and they are appealing for anyone with information to contact the police.

(Image: Mark Waugh)

The Forestry Commission said they were appalled by the find and their staff quickly removed the stakes.

A spokesman told the M.E.N.: “We are appalled that anyone would do this in Delamere Forest and are grateful that no-one has been hurt.

“We removed the spikes as soon as we were told about them and if anyone has any information about who may have done this we would like them to contact the police by calling 101.”