The husband of a runner who was struck by two teenagers on a bike in Cassiobury Park believes she is lucky to be alive.

Tina White, 63, suffered a broken foot and bruising after she was hit from behind in the park last week.

Her husband John says it is fortunate she didn't bang her head when she fell and believes a small child or elderly people might not have survived the collision.

The collision happened shortly after 6pm on Wednesday, March 23, when two people on the same bike lost control as they rode down a path near Daisy's in the Park.

Watford Observer: The collision happened at the bottom of this hill The collision happened at the bottom of this hill

Mr White says he was told the Beryl hire bike could have been travelling "close to 20mph" before the youths hit his wife, fell off the bike themselves, and then fled with the bike.

Mrs White made it home before going to hospital the following morning to be checked over. X-rays showed she sustained a double foot fracture, grazing, and bruising.

Watford Observer: X-rays shoe fractures to Tina White's foot. Credit: John White X-rays shoe fractures to Tina White's foot. Credit: John White

Watford Observer: Tina White also suffered this injury to her arm. Credit: Tina White Tina White also suffered this injury to her arm. Credit: Tina White

Mr White said his wife has been left "traumatised", adding: "This could quite easily have been a life changing or even life ending accident and had it been a child or elderly person involved it most certainly would have been."

As a result of the injuries, the couple are seeking compensation from Beryl for loss of earnings with Mrs White currently unable to drive for work.

Watford Observer: Cassiobury Park. Credit: Watford Borough Council/Simon JacobsCassiobury Park. Credit: Watford Borough Council/Simon Jacobs

Mr White has also raised concerns about the safety of the park – particularly where his wife was hit.

He said: "We've had so many near-misses near Daisy's because it is downhill. I wouldn't go as far to say cycling should be banned in the park but perhaps for this section.

"I know that it is very hard to legislate for idiots and overall cyclists are pretty responsible. But I do think here it is very dangerous."

Watford Observer: There is a 'slow' sign and sign warning of a shared pathway between pedestrians and cyclists on the downward slope but questions have been asked about whether this is enough There is a 'slow' sign and sign warning of a shared pathway between pedestrians and cyclists on the downward slope but questions have been asked about whether this is enough

The collision happened a day or so after Watford Borough Council, which manages the park, launched its 'Considerate Cycling' initiative, which aims to ensure everyone can safely enjoy their visit to Cassiobury, including dog walkers, runners, children, walkers and cyclists.

Alan Gough, head of community and environment services at the council, said: "This was a concerning incident and I know it will be distressing for those affected. I would like to wish them well and to have a speedy recovery.

"We are constantly reviewing the situation in Cassiobury Park and looking to see what improvements can be made. It is important that people who are walking and those on bikes can have a pleasant and safe experience when they visit this fantastic park."

Watford Observer: A generic image of a cyclist in Cassiobury Park. Credit: Watford Borough Council A generic image of a cyclist in Cassiobury Park. Credit: Watford Borough Council

Beryl declined to comment and said that the incident was a matter for the police.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting collision reference number URN 1159924.