POLICE are investigating a series of incidents in which a van was driven at cyclists and runners on a Hampshire road.

It is understood that two men in a white van assaulted cyclists and runners on Hoads Hill in Fareham at 8.30am on Sunday.

Police have confirmed that they received five complaints of assault in the same time frame and it is believed the incidents are linked.

Victims told the Daily Echo that the van’s passenger leant out of the window and hit them as the vehicle drove past.

Cyclists and pedestrians suffered minor injuries after receiving blows to the head, shoulders and upper body, with one requiring hospital treatment.

Alex Parker, 31, learning support assistant, was cycling from Horton Heath towards Botley when the van crashed into him and the passenger hit him in the back of his head.

He said: “It was a shock, the van hit my elbow and the passenger hit me. I was lucky I didn’t fall off otherwise I could have really hurt myself.”

After reporting the incident to police, Alex was also taken to Southampton General Hospital because he was suffering with a headache and was dismissed early in the morning on March 27.

It was through his appeal on his Facebook page that Alex found out that other people had suffered similar attacks.

Two members of Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club were assaulted while riding from Fareham to Wickham.

Mike Stevens, 56, from Fareham, said: “This van drove past me and I think it was trying to push me off. They were going quite fast. I was shocked and annoyed. Luckily I only had a bruise on my shoulder.”

A woman who was running between Fisher’s Pond and Lower Upham, who does not wish to be named, was hit by the man in the van who also shouted at her.

Botley councillor Rupert Kyrle said: “It’s awful to have incidents like this going on.

“My thoughts are with anyone involved.

“I would appeal to witnesses and people to be extra vigilant.

“The last thing we want is to have more injured so I hope that police will be able to detect whoever has been causing those incidents.”

Police are now appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting the reference number: 44170112584