Boy, four, left with headwound after hitting 'anti-skateboard devices'

A four-year-old boy has been left with a gaping headwound after tripping over a piece of metal sticking out of a curb, put there by the council to stop people from skateboarding.

Finley Richards was rushed to A&E after tripping and banging his head on anti-skateboard devices, known as 'skatestoppers'.

His father Paul Richards said the fittings, also known as 'blades', were 'evil' and should be removed to prevent further incidents from happening. 

He told the BBC 'it was very traumatic, there was lots of blood' and that his son was likely to have a 'scar for the rest of his life' as a result. 

Mr Richards said there were other ways to deter people from skateboarding that are far less dangerous and likely to cause serious injury. 

Manchester City Council has confirmed it is reviewing the incident which took place in the City's Cathedral Gardens.

Skatestoppers are placed on urban features such as benches and handrails to dissuade skateboarders from grinding on the surfaces where they have been installed. 

Like the anti-homeless spikes or studs, they are considered to be a form of hostile architecture. 

A Manchester City Council spokesman told the BBC: 'We never like to hear about any person getting hurt, whatever the circumstances.

'The Council has been made aware of an accident that occurred in Cathedral Gardens at an event earlier in September and the relevant departments are currently reviewing the incident.'

Mr Richards has reported the skatestoppers in the Cathedral Gardens to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Manchester City Council has been contacted by MailOnline for further comment.