NAILS found embedded in tyres at a popular wildlife park have resulted in a official warning to the public.
Signs have been put up at Attenbrough Nature Reserve alerting people to be on the lookout for sharp objects that have been maliciously scattered on pathways in the area.
Tacks and short carpet nails have been found sticking in the wheels of a pushchair and in bike tyres.
Communications manager Erin McDaid from the reserve said: "Most people come to quietly enjoy the wildlife, but with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year we do get the occasional conflict.
"One particular issue that comes to a head periodically is that of cyclists travelling at high speed along the main paths.
"This can lead to collisions with pedestrians and we have had a number of near misses in recent years.
"However, despite improvements and reduced conflict we have had a couple of isolated incidents of disgruntled site users taking matters into their own hands, with sharp tacks being scattered on the paths.
"We presume that this is meant to cause disruption to cyclists but we have real concerns that the tacks could cause serious injury to cyclists, pedestrians and dogs visiting the reserve, or to wildlife."
Staff at the nature reserve want people to report anyone that is behaving suspiciously by calling 0115 972 1777.
