Metal 'warfare' spikes puncture tyres in town

Metal spikes - similar to those once used in warfare to stop charging cavalry - have punctured several tyres in a town in Leicestershire.

The damage has been caused to vehicles in Coalville by spiked objects in the road that resemble a type of ancient battlefield weapon called a caltrop.

Mechanics said they had repaired a number of tyres pierced by the spikes after they were left in the Meadow Road area.

Sean Hastie, manager at Coalville Tyre and Exhaust centre, said he thought the spikes had been placed in the road "maliciously".

Leicestershire Police said it was aware of the reports and had searched the area for the metal objects.

Caltrops, which were used as early as Roman times, were laid out by the thousand on battlefields to stop men, animals and vehicles from advancing.

Hastie said of the damage he had seen to tyres: "It seems like a malicious thing to do.

"We had two people come in on Monday who'd been affected around the Co-op, then outside Broom Leys School and then another one the next day.

"I've seen punctures caused by all sorts of general road debris, but I think this is definitely something targeted."

John Davis, licensee of The Rock Inn in Coalville, said one of his customers had fallen victim to the spikes.

"It had completely mashed up his tyre," the 39-year-old said.

"He was lucky he waited for his son to help him put on the spare, but what happens if it's late at night, or when you're on your own, or an elderly person who perhaps can't afford a new tyre?

"There is no way that was an accident, there was one intention, and that was to do someone damage."

In response to the spate of punctures, John O'Dwyer, owner of Coalville Tyre and Exhaust centre, said anyone affected could have their tyre changed for free.

In a post on social media, he said: "I can't express enough to the person doing this how dangerous it is."

He said he hoped the gesture would "restore a bit of faith in humanity".

Leicestershire Police said two incidents had been reported shortly before 18:00 BST on 18 May.

The force added that officers searched for the spikes, but none were found.

Leicestershire County Council also sent a team to the area, but nothing was discovered.

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