Police urge driver in crash that left Shropshire cyclist dead to come forward

Police have issued a fresh appeal for a driver to come forward following a collision in Shropshire early on Monday morning in which a cyclist was killed, saying that their investigation suggests the rider was struck from behind by a vehicle.

The male victim, aged 61, was found at the roadside by a tractor driver on the A49 at around 5am on Monday morning. He had been cycling home to Bayston Hill from his workplace in Church Stretton.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson of West Mercia Police urged motorists who may have driven past the scene, as well as the driver of the vehicle they believe struck the cyclist, to get in touch.

He said: “Our inquiries are continuing to obtain as much evidence as possible and a picture of the circumstances is beginning to emerge.

“However, I am making a direct appeal to the driver of the vehicle involved to contact us as soon as possible to assist in establishing exactly what happened. Please contact Shrewsbury police station on 101 and quote the incident reference number, 0063s230614.”

The cyclist, who has not yet been named, left his workplace at around 3am on Monday morning, and DCI Jamieson continued: “Everything points to him being hit by a vehicle from behind. The collision happened on the A49 between Leebotwood and Dorrington, halfway along the straight stretch after the turning to Acton Burnell and before the bridge over the railway line.

“We estimate it happened around 3.30am to 4am. It is vital we speak to anyone who may have seen the cyclist, who was wearing a fluorescent jacket, prior to the collision. As such, I am keen to identify anyone travelling along that stretch of road in either direction between 3am and 5am.”

He added that police are particularly anxious to find the drivers of two lorries travelling on the stretch of road at the time, saying: “From the extensive enquiries carried out yesterday, including viewing various CCTV footage, we know that in particular, there were two heavy goods vehicles travelling along that road in the same direction as the cyclist. 

“We believe they were red or orange in colour and that they overtook a tractor at Marshbrook to the south of the collision scene. I urge the drivers to contact us.”

DCI Jamieson concluded: “This is a distressing and tragic incident and it is important we trace the driver of the vehicle involved as soon as possible to help us establish the full circumstances.”