Police seek motorist who knocked over cyclist in "deliberate act"

Police in Hampshire have appealed for witnesses after a cyclist sustained serious head injuries when he was knocked off his bike by a motorist in what police are treating as a “deliberate” attack.

The 30-year-old rider is currently in hospital following the incident in Southampton on Monday evening at around 10pm.

He was riding with another cyclist when they were tailed through the Shirley Towers estate by the driver of a silver Vauxhall Astra car which had several people inside.

Police said: “The car is believed to have left the road over a grassed area onto Colewell Close and then deliberately made contact with one of the cyclists before leaving the scene at speed in the direction of Sedbergh Road.

“We believe this was a deliberate act and as such are investigating the incident as a serious assault.”

They added: “We believe this silver Astra was seen in this area before 10pm travelling around without any lights on.

“It is described as old-style and having a loud exhaust.”

Police have asked anyone who saw the car, knows who owns it or has other information, to contact them on 101 quoting reference 44170192927 or the charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.