Three men have been bailed by police as they investigate a spate of violent attacks on cyclists in Walthamstow

Over the last month there have been more than five gang attacks on people biking through the Walthamstow Marshes area, according to reports.

On Sunday (April 5) a man was attacked by a group of 12 men.

After being threatened with a knife and being hit in the head the cyclist's bike was stolen, along with other items.

The attack came after a cyclist was punched to the ground and had his bike stolen on the same route by a gang in Coppermill Lane, on March 24.

On Thursday, officers from Hackney arrested three men.

Waltham Forest Cycling Campaign members from left to right: Richard Vincent, Gerhard Weiss, Jan Kartun, Charlotte May and Simon Munk

They were taken to a station in Stoke Newington for questioning and were later bailed until May 20 while enquiries continue.

Other suspects “remain unidentified” according to police.

However, officers have not confirmed what they were arrested on suspicion of.

Simon Munk of Waltham Forest Cycling Campaign said police reaction to the crime has been poor over the last few weeks.

Mr Munk recommended “buddying up” on bikes when travelling through the area.

He said: “Keep cycling, but keep your wits about you.

“What’s worrying is most of these attacks aren’t taking place in the dark but in the early evening.

“Maybe consider 'buddying up' by riding alongside others when going through isolated areas.”