Moment boy on bike hit by falling rugby goalpost
CONCERN ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND VANDALISM ‘COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL’
CCTV footage shows the moment an act of vandalism nearly took a tragic turn on Bricknell playing fields.
In the clip, a group of youths estimated to be 30-strong are gathering near the goalposts owned by Hull Wyke rugby club.
Two boys shake the poles violently before one of them breaks off and falls, striking another boy on the back of the head.
The force of the metal post knocks him clean off his bike and leaves him staggering on the floor.
Fortunately, he does not appear to have been seriously injured but the rugby club said a blow to the head from the heavy post could easily have been “fatal”.
Hull Wyke have condemned the behaviour of the reckless teenagers, who also damaged piping and signage outside the clubhouse and left a large amount of litter on the rugby pitch.
The incident happened on Friday, June 17, at 7.55pm.
Speaking to the Mail, a representative of Hull Wyke rugby club said: “On Friday evening, a set of goalposts where pulled down by teenagers. Quite a few large groups had gathered on the fields as they are accessible.
“During this, one of them was struck by a falling goal post – this could have been fatal. There was also damage to signage and pipework at the clubhouse.
“We are a self-funded community rugby league club, established in the area for over 60 years. We have built up the current premises, building a brand new clubhouse, renovated the pitches and built a gym and wrestle area on the site, all with the backing of the council, which has cost us in the region of £750,000.
“This kind of behaviour is very hurtful, as we have suffered numerous antisocial instances – vandalism to both the old clubhouse and even when building the new one.
“We often find broken bottles, have had motorbikes tear up the pitches, and other issues.
“We are a fully self-funded club and all our coaches and staff are volunteers. The repairs will all come out of club funds (taking money away from investment in new equipment or upgrading other parts of the club) unless we find ways of sponsorship/donations or kind offers of help.”
Local people were quick to jump to the rugby club’s aid, making their opinions known on social media.
One woman said: “Disrespectful few spoil what a lot have worked really hard to achieve. The parents should be totally ashamed of their
little darlings that were involved.
“I think a curfew should be enforced until all these problems are addressed.”
Another man said: “Parents, talk to your kids!!! Hull Wyke are a great club who do lots for our young people and have invested heavily in facilities. They don’t need this sort of thing, please stamp it out for everyone’s benefit.”
Someone else added: “Disgraceful, hope you get sorted really soon. All the effort you guys put in down there.”