A CYCLING group has said it is shocked by an attack on a cyclist who was robbed of his bike whilst riding to work.

Police have arrested three men on suspicion of robbery in connection with the attack which took place at 6.30am on Friday (June 22).

The man was cycling along Brierfield Road, in Burnley, near the Somerfield, when he was attacked by three men.

He was forced from his bike, punched before both his mountain bike and bag were stolen.

This occurred at the end of what was Bike2Work week, where a series of events took place to encourage people to ditch their cars and cycle instead.

Paul Whittaker, secretary of Pendle Forest Cycling Club, said the attack was rare and he hoped it would not deter people from cycling to work.

Mr Whittaker, secretary of the club which covers Burnley and Pendle, said: "I am shocked to hear of the incident but I believe it is an isolated incident, it's certainly the first incident I have heard of.

"We recommend cycling as a healthy and environmentally friendly way to get to work.

"It is a shame it has come in national cycle week and following yesterday's cycling challenge."

On Thursday (June 21) morning Councillor Ann Kerrigan took to her car to race a cyclist as part of the Bike2Work week campaign.

She was defeated by shopworker Carl Pawson by 10 minutes in the race from Foulridge Village Hall to the Trafalgar Street car park, Nelson.

Afterwards coun Kerrigan, Pendle Council's Executive member for Parks and Recreation, said: "The benefits of cycling far outweigh dangers. It is a good form of transport and national statistics show that people who cycle to work have fewer sick days not to mention the environmental benefits."