A charity bike ride in Bristol had to be cancelled on Saturday following a bad crash on the A4, which formed a key part of the route.

More than 5,000 cyclists had registered to take part in the Biggest Bike Ride event, now in its 18th year.

The decision was taken by the organisers just 40 minutes before the ride was due to start, leaving thousands of people all dressed to cycle. The fact it was raining and they were all soaked just compounded the frustration.

Police closed the A4 after an abandoned van was found crashed into railings, leaving long tailbacks.