A SINISTER set of spikes found in Delamere Forest is suspected of being a deadly ‘booby trap’.

The Forestry Commission said it was ‘appalled’ of the grim discovery, which has now been dismantled.

A horrified cyclist posted an image of the wooden spikes on Facebook on Monday after discovering it on the landing of a bike jump.

Twelve 50 bikes in Frodsham then shared the image on its Facebook page along with a warning to other forest users.

The post said: “The vast majority of walkers, horse riders co-exist happily and share the forest without problems.

“However, it seems somebody has an axe to grind and has taken matters into their own hands. Obviously the consequences of riding into this don't really bear thinking about.

“If you use the Forest and these trails in particular, please keep your eyes open and take care out there, especially if night riding.”

Twelve50 Bikes owner Rick Minshull told the Guardian: “It may have just been some kids pulling some sort of prank rather than someone who has actually set it up to do to some real harm

“You just don’t know.”

The section of the trail where the trap was found is not heavily used but was just off from one of the main tracks.

A spokesman for the Forestry Commission said: “We are appalled that anyone would do this in Delamere Forest and are grateful that no-one has been hurt."

The spokesman said it is ‘not unique’ to find traps like the one found in Delamere Forest, though it is ‘relatively rare’.

The original post on Twelve 50 bikes’ Facebook page has now been updated and confirmed they had taken the Forestry Commission Ranger to dismantle the lethal booby trap.

The post said: “The offending posts have been removed and were originally taken from a jump which is now unsafe.

“This jump will be removed totally today to make it safe for everybody.

“Not because the forestry don't want people to have fun but because ultimately, if somebody hurts themselves on it, it's on their head.

“Hopefully this is an isolated incident but if anyone does see anything dodgy going on then please report it.”

The Forestry Commission spokesman added: “We removed the spikes as soon as we were told about them and if anyone has any information about who may have done this we would like them to contact the police by calling 101.”