A cyclist suffered injuries to his neck after riding into a thick cable which had been tied across a path near Horley.

The rider, aged in his 50s and who wishes to remain anonymous, was cycling home in the early hours along a path between Asylum Arch Road, Earslwood, and Horley, when he rode into the black cable.

It had been tied between a tree and a lamppost.

The force of the collision knocked the cyclist off his bike and he fell to the ground.

Luckily, he suffered only minor injuries to his neck.

The cord, believed to be a black speaker cable, was so thick officers had to use wire cutters to remove it.

Police are now appealing for anyone with information to call them.

Detective Sergeant Karl Humphrey said: "To some, this may seem like a practical joke, and perhaps the offenders intended it to be a funny prank, but what they did had potentially life-threatening consequences.”

Det Sgt Humphrey said: "This appears to be an isolated incident and it is extremely fortunate the victim was not more seriously injured.”

But he stressed: “We are taking this incident very seriously and I would urge anyone who can provide me with the names of those behind this irresponsible act to come forward.”

The cyclist was injured in the early hours of last Wednesday (April 20).

Det Sgt Humphrey added: "Officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood Team are aware of this incident and will be stepping up patrols in the area as a result.”

Appealing for help, he said: "We will deal robustly with those involved in this dangerous incident, but to do so we need your help.

“Any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, could make all the difference to this investigation."

Anyone with information, or who was in the area at the time, should call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference RB/11/3493, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.