Father, 39, is nearly decapitated and left needing stitches to his neck after riding into barbed wire rigged across a Welsh mountainside bike trail

 A father-of-one has suffered horrific neck injuries after barbed wire was rigged across a mountain bike trail and hidden by branches.

Tony Roberts was out riding his bike when he was suddenly caught around the throat by the hidden wire on a trail near Gelli in the Rhondda Valleys. 

Mr Roberts, a council official, managed to unwrap the metal wire from around his neck to reveal gruesome slashes across his throat.

Horrified onlookers rushed to help the 39-year-old before he was taken to hospital.

He needed 17 stitches following the terrifying incident, according to his wife Koral Clarke, of Barry, South Wales. 

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He needed 17 stitches following the terrifying incident, according to his wife Koral Clarke, of Barry, South Wales

She said: 'The wire was hidden in a tree line so couldn't have been seen. His injuries are quite severe resulting in 17 stitches.

'Specialist doctors were wondering if he needed surgery but luckily the surgeon managed to stitch him and he was allowed to come home to us.'

Ms Clarke added: 'I'm so glad I'm not planning a funeral right now. He had to unwrap the wire from around his neck. As a wife sat at home with our child not being able to do anything was a horrible feeling.

'I want to spread awareness on how dangerous these acts can be.'

Fellow rider Anthony Owens also warned other bikers to be careful while out riding.

He said: 'This man could have lost his life though someone's stupidity. Watch where you're riding people. This could have been a lot worse.

'All you motocross riders and mountain bikers be careful as there's some sad people out there.'

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Mr Roberts, a council official, managed to unwrap the metal wire from around his neck to reveal gruesome slashes across his throat

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Tony Roberts (pictured), 39, was out riding his bike when he was suddenly caught around the throat by the hidden wire on a trail near Gelli in the Rhondda Valleys

Police are investigating and have appealed for witnesses.

Sergeant Karl Emerson, of South Wales Police, said: 'He was understandably traumatised by his experience and was very lucky not to have sustained an even worse injury.

'An investigation into the incident is underway. We can confirm it occurred on Sunday at around midday, on a Bwlch Mountain trail.

'It is understood that the barbed wire was obscured by branches and anybody cycling there should be vigilant and take extra care.

'Local officers are searching the area to identify exactly where the incident occurred and to ensure there is no further risk to the public.'