Appeal for witnesses after attempted robbery in South Gloucestershire
Police say the incident happened on the 18th of September on the Bristol to Bath cycle path
Last updated 5th Oct 2026
Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery on a cycle path in South Gloucestershire.
The incident took place when a man in his fifties was riding his mobility scooter on the Bristol to Bath cycle path between 2.45-3pm on 18th September.
Police say three unknown male offenders tried to rob him near Warmley, causing the man minor injuries before fleeing into a wooded area adjacent to the cycle path near Warmley Tea Rooms.
Officers believe a cyclist passed through the scene at the time of the incident, possibly disturbing the offenders, and they are appealing for them to come forward with any information which could assist their enquiries.
The suspects are all believed to be aged between 14 and 18.
The first is described as a white male, of medium build and around 5ft 9-10 inches tall, wearing all black clothing and gloves, a face-covering pulled up to the bridge of his nose, who spoke with a Bristol accent.
The second is described as male of mixed heritage, slim build, about 6ft tall, wearing black clothing, a black face covering and grey trainers.
The third has been described as male, around 5ft 4-6ins tall, of stocky build, wearing a black tracksuit with a zip-up hoody which had a golden eagle emblazoned on the front left of the chest and a face covering. He had a blonde fringe and black trainers.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Neighbourhood Inspector Barny Mabbett said: “This is a concerning incident involving a vulnerable victim who feels he was targeted due to his physical disabilities; therefore we are treating this as a hate crime. There is absolutely no place for hate, intimidation or violence in Avon and Somerset. Where crimes are committed, we will act robustly and pursue those responsible.
“This was an attempted robbery where, fortunately, nothing was stolen and neither did the victim suffer serious injury. The incident, nonetheless, will be fully investigated and we understand there was a cyclist in the area who may have disturbed the offenders and we would appeal to them to come forward with any information which could assist our enquiries, no matter how trivial it may seem.
“We have conducted a number of additional patrols along the railway path to provide reassurance and to deter criminality recently, and we would encourage members of the public to continue to report incidents so we’re able to target our resources where they are needed most.”