A ‘GREEN WAY’ road appears to have been deliberately booby-trapped.
Police in Peel have revealed details about an incident on a ‘green way’ road (a right of way that vehicles can use but which does not have Tarmac) running between the Switchback Road at Lhergydoo and the Staarvey Road.
On Saturday, a member of the public found a six-inch square piece of plywood with numerous two-inch nails protruding from it that had apparently been left intentionally on the track.
It is pictured here with a size 11 boot to give an idea of scale.
This follows a number of identical incidents of wood with nails being found on the same track over the past two years. The objects clearly have the potential to cause serious damage or injury to road users.
Constable Ian Scott is one of the officers investigating the matter.
He said: ‘This matter is being treated very seriously.
‘It is an offence to cause anything to be on a road that would be obvious to a reasonable person that it was dangerous to do so.
‘The offence carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to £5,000.
‘While we can only speculate as to the motivation of those responsible at this time, the objects are presenting a very real danger to users of the Green Way Road in this location.
‘Not only could the likes of pedal cycle and motorcycle tyres be damaged causing the riders to lose control, but walkers and livestock using the lane could equally face serious injury if the objects were stepped on.
‘Green way roads are a public highway and can be used by all concerned as long as they comply with legal requirements.
To date, this has been a very local issue to this particular section of lane and we are not aware of similar incidents occurring elsewhere on the Island but I would appeal to the public to be vigilant and to report such incidents to the police.’
Anyone who has information about this incident should contact Peel police station on 842208.
A reward may be payable as a result of your information.
You may also contact Isle of Man Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Crimestoppers is an independent Manx charity established to enable callers to pass information regarding criminal activity anonymously. Crimestoppers is not an agency of the police. Crimestoppers will never ask callers for any personal details.
