A CYCLIST suspects someone is deliberately sabotaging bikes on Bournemouth seafront.

Dentist Michael Atkinson said his tyres were punctured three times in five days by unusual tacks.

The 49-year-old said they even punctured the Kevlar tyres of his mountain bike.

“It’s like they have been designed specifically to take tyres out,” said Mr Atkinson, from Lytchett Matravers.

“When you touch them they roll up with the points sticking up.

“To have three of exactly the same type is just too much of a coincidence.”

He added: “This isn’t good news either for dogs or people out walking.

Mr Atkinson said he is not sure of the exact location but believes the tacks were put around Bournemouth Pier.

He collects his bike from Parkstone Yacht Club each day and cycles from Shore Road to Southbourne and works at Tuckton Medical Practice.

“I’ve been cycling along the seafront for at least five years and only had two other punctures in that time,” he said.

The tacks are shaped like a crescent moon, have a little depth, and are around 8mm long.

Bournemouth council said it had not received any other reports of problems or experienced it with its own seafront vehicles.