FIVE cyclists suffered serious injuries after hitting a pothole - and now fear that “someone could be killed” if city roads aren’t improved.

The group, cycling as part of a club, was riding along Wigginton Road in York when the front rider hit the pothole.

His front tyre exploded, but he escaped without major injury. However, there was a concertina effect and his fellow cyclists ploughed into him.

Between them, the other riders suffered a broken clavicle, cracked vertebrae and bleeding on the kidneys, as well as cuts and abrasions.

City of York Council said it was not aware of the incident but pledged to investigate if supplied more information.

Kevin Farrell, 53, from Osbaldwick, was the rider at the back of the group. He was flung through the air and lost consciousness. He doesn’t remember much about the accident, but believes he must have hit the road face down.

He had to have surgery to repair a torn nose and lip and a CT scan. Because of the stitches and swelling, he is unable to open his left eye and can only sip liquids and soup through a straw.

Kevin, a self-employed electrical contractor, won’t be able to work until the injuries have healed.

He said: “The problem is someone is going to get killed. We’ve seen potholes all summer long and we just don’t see them getting repaired.

“We’re all experienced, but if it was a child or someone less experienced, who knows what might have happened?”

Although the light was only just starting to fade at the time of the accident, at 8.30pm on Wednesday, all the cyclists were using lights and wearing helmets, hi-vis gear and safety glasses.

Kevin said: “There was a big lorry behind us, so it could’ve been a lot worse. I think the helmet saved me and I think it’s time they were made compulsory.

“I just don’t want somebody else to get hurt. It always takes something bad to happen before anything is done.”

James Rothwell, 48, from Murton, who was directly in front of Kevin, added: “How much has it cost to send ambulances to us, just because they can’t fill in a pothole. It’s not right.”

James, who runs an electrical services company and has managed to get back into work, added: “I’m struggling, but I’ve got 20 lads that rely on me.”

Luckily, there was a police van nearby and the officers helped stop traffic and called ambulances, while the hospital was only five minutes away.

The pothole is about 60cm by 40cm by 9cm, according to the cyclists, and about a metre from the kerb. It had already been marked up for repair.

The friends are now consulting a solicitor to see what action they can take.

A spokesman for City of York Council said: “We’re sorry to hear that a group of cyclists had an accident on Wigginton Road on Wednesday. We have not been made aware of an incident.

“Our inspectors check Wigginton Road on a regular basis. We would welcome further information so we can investigate if a repair is required to prevent a re-occurrence.

“As with any insurance claim this will be assessed by our insurers.

“We wish them a speedy recovery.”