A TALENTED cross country runner hoping to be selected for England sustained serious injuries to her face after being crashed into by cyclists.

Nicola Rogers, 27, who competes for RunEvolve running club in Colchester, was out jogging when three boys on bikes crashed into her on the pavement, knocking her down.

The childminder, who lives in Braintree, said the accident, which happened in the town at about 5pm on Monday, was a “big setback” in her training.

Medics in accident and emergency said she had a hairline fracture in her cheek and a puncture wound to the right side of her head. Miss Rogers, whose boyfriend Paul Jones is a teacher at Colchester Sixth Form College, was relieved her injuries were not more severe, but angry at the boys’ behaviour.

She said she asked them for a mobile phone, but they told her they did not have one, before cycling off. Miss Rogers said she did not see how old they were, or what they looked like.

She added: “They came round so quickly I didn’t have time to think or anything.

“I was all lit up in my yellow gear, but there was nothing I could do. They bolted right into me. I think I got knocked out initially, because I don’t remember going down.”

Miss Rogers is frustrated at not being able to train, as she is gearing up for an England home nations event in March, but needs to improve her running time to earn an international vest. She said: “It’s a big setback. I wasn’t just out for a daily jog – it’s very competitive. I am a bit gutted, but as long as I am OK, that’s the main thing.”

Police attended the incident shortly afterwards and have urged any witnesses to come forward and to contact the central traffic unit on 0300 3334444.

l Miss Rogers’s father Jerry is offering a £100 reward for information which could identify the culprits. Call 01376 344167.