A major local government insurer has warned that months of rain may have caused ‘some of the worst ever road conditions'.

Zurich Municipal's warning comes after the insurance firm found more than half of cyclists believe roads are in poor condition and dangerous.

Analysis by the firm found more than 6,500 injuries were sustained on roads and pavements in the past three years, with incidents including cyclists being thrown off bikes after hitting potholes and pedestrians tripping over tree roots.

Zurich UK risk expert Alix Bedford said: ‘The last few months of rain will have taken its toll on roads, pathways and cycleways.'