CYCLING eco-terrorists have admitted dangling gas cylinders over a motorway bridge to highlight their campaign for more cycle lanes.

Police said the action risked motorists' lives and have appealed for information about the Chesham Cycling Campaign, which has claimed responsibility for the incident at the M40 in Beaconsfield.

Gerrards Cross police said the group sent anonymous letters to them last week, claiming it hung the camping-style gas canisters which fell and damaged a lorry and three cars on May 6.

The letters also demanded bicycle access to Chesham town centre.

Detective Sergeant Steve Armstead, of Gerrards Cross police, said: "In the letter, they gave us information about the canisters which had not been in the local press. That's how we know they are for real.

"We need to catch this person because we believe they are going to get more and more violent. We want someone to come forward, we have got to impress that the next time, the victims will not be so lucky."

The canisters were suspended at windscreen height by ropes, from bridges at Hedgerley Lane and Windsor End either side of the motorway at the A355 intersection.

A Scania HGV tractor unit, driven by Darren McGurk, of Eire, hit one canister on the southbound carriageway at the Hedgerley Lane bridge.

The canister then smashed the windscreen of a Saab, driven by Christopher Brereton, of West Malling, Kent before damaging a Lexus car and an Austin Maestro van.

John David, of the South Bucks branch of the Cyclists Touring Club, said: "It's horrendous, and just plain stupid. We have been campaigning for cycle lanes in Chesham, but to do this is quite wrong."

The Chesham Cycling Campaign hit the headlines last year, when it threatened to slash the car tyres of every Chesham town councillor, unless they arranged for cycle lanes in the town.

% Call police on (01296) 396000 with information

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