THE Wiltshire branch of an off-road motorcycle group has issued an warning after they found a spike trap placed on a public byway.

The spike was found in a puddle at the village end of Tilshead 6, a byway which heads across the Salisbury Plain towards the Westdown Artillery Range.

The Wiltshire Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) posted the warning on Tuesday and it is being investigated by the military and Wiltshire Council.

Writing on Facebook the group said: "This kind of trap can cause terrible injury to pedestrians, horses and dogs. The intended damage to vehicle tyres is minor by comparison.

"There are no legal restrictions regarding use of Tilshead 6 which – given its proximity to the village – is enjoyed by all user groups the whole year round."

"The trap was set by a criminal. The issue of what user group the criminal is closest in their use to is irreleveant [sic]," they added.

Wiltshire Council say they had been made aware of the spikes, which were attached to a plank of wood.

A spokesperson said: “We do not know the reason why it was left there but are extremely concerned at the potential for injury and damage to anyone using the byway, whether they be walking (with or without dogs) riding, driving or leading a horse, cycling, or riding or driving a mechanically propelled vehicle. All these forms of traffic have a legal right to use this public right of way.

“We deplore any deliberate attempt to obstruct the byway or to endanger anyone using it and request that if this has been done deliberately, the person responsible considers the potential consequences of their actions and does not repeat the offence.”