Witness appeal after cyclist found without his bike later dies in hospital

Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses after a 67-year-old cyclist died in hospital a fortnight after being found in a distressed state in Woking. Derek Abbott died from a head injury, but it is not known how he sustained it, while the bike he is believed to have been riding that day has not been found.

A member of the public called an ambulance on Saturday June 20 after noticing Abbott next to a property in White Rose Lane near to the junction of Rosewood. He is said to have been in a distressed state and appearing unwell.

Abbott was taken to St George's Hospital, Tooting, where he died on July 6. Preliminary reports indicated that his death had resulted from a head injury and police are now looking to establish his movements prior to being found.

It is believed he was in possession of a blue old style Raleigh bike, but this has not been found. A photograph of Abbott has been released by police who say he was wearing dark-coloured clothing when he was found.

Sergeant Eddie Ryan from Surrey Police's Collision Investigation Unit, said:

"We are keeping an open mind at this stage and trying to figure out how Mr Abbott died. All we have is the results of the post mortem which showed that he died from a head injury and we are trying to establish how he sustained this injury.

“We know he had cycled to Woking prior to being found and taken to hospital but his bike has never been found. I am hoping that releasing his photograph might jog someone's memory and provide us with information which could help us piece together the circumstances leading up to him sustaining the injury which sadly led to his death two weeks later.”

If you can help, please contact Surrey Police on 01483 639922, quoting reference 66/2894/15.