Incident on well-used route prompts cordon and appeals for alternative travel
A man has been hospitalised after a stabbing on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path between Bath and Bitton, with a police cordon in place and the popular cycle and walking route closed while enquiries continue.
Officers were called to the section of the path near Bitton shortly after 8pm on Tuesday evening. The victim, who is understood to have been a cyclist, was found wounded and taken to hospital by paramedics. Avon and Somerset Police said they believe the injuries were caused by a bladed weapon.
Armed officers later made an arrest at Willsbridge and a police presence remained in the area into Wednesday morning as searches continued, including the use of a police helicopter overnight.
“We were called to a section of the path, near Bitton, shortly after 8pm. A police presence remains at the scene. One man was found to have been wounded and he has been taken to hospital by paramedics. We believe the injuries sustained were caused by a bladed weapon. One arrest has been made and a police presence remains in the area.”
Disruption and local advice
The Railway Path, a well-used traffic-free route linking Bristol and Bath popular with commuters, leisure cyclists and walkers, remained closed on Wednesday morning while investigators worked at the scene. Police asked those travelling between Bitton and The Bird in Hand in Saltford to use an alternative route.
Residents and regular users of the path described it as a key local artery for daily journeys and weekend outings. The closure is likely to affect those who use the route for commuting between east Bristol suburbs and Bath, as well as families and recreational cyclists who favour the traffic-free surface.
Police operation and next steps
Officers carried out searches along the route after the incident. A police helicopter was mobilised during the night to assist the search between Newbridge in Bath and Bitton.
The arrest at Willsbridge was made by armed officers, the force confirmed. Avon and Somerset Police said a presence remained in the area as enquiries continued; no further details about the suspect or any charges have been released at this stage.
- Time reported: Shortly after 8pm on Tuesday
- Location: Bristol & Bath Railway Path, between Newbridge (Bath) and Bitton
- Response: Paramedics attended, police helicopter and armed officers deployed, one arrest
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident time | Shortly after 20:00 (Tuesday) |
| Location | Path between Newbridge (Bath) and Bitton |
| Police action | Searches, cordon, helicopter deployed, arrest at Willsbridge |
Local people are likely to have questions about safety on the path and what measures are being taken to reassure users. The force statement did not provide details about the injured man's condition beyond confirming he had been taken to hospital, nor did it name the person arrested. Investigations into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.
For those planning to use the route, police advised seeking alternative travel between Bitton and The Bird in Hand in Saltford while the cordon is in place. Officers have asked anyone who witnessed the event or who has relevant dash-cam or mobile phone footage to come forward to assist enquiries.
As the Railway Path is reopened once scene examinations conclude, community groups and local councils will be watching for information about any follow-up policing or safety measures. The path remains an important recreational and commuting link for many in east Bristol and beyond; keeping it safe is a priority for residents who value the green corridor that connects the two cities.
