Cyclist critical, on life-support after A46 hit-and-run

Warwickshire Police are appealing for witnesses to a hit-and-run incident on the A46 in Kenilworth in which a cyclist was critically injured.

At 4.45am on Saturday an ambulance crew from West Midlands Ambulance Service en route to a 999 call spotted the man lying on the grass verge of the southbound A46, just before the A452 Leamington Spa exit slip road, with his bicycle nearby.

The ambulance immediately stopped and called their emergency operations centre to inform them of the incident and a second ambulance was sent to the scene.

An Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The man had serious head and chest injuries. Crews immediately commenced treatment on scene, immobilised him with a neck collar and spinal board and stabilised his condition before transferring him to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire by land ambulance on blue lights.

“When the ambulance arrived at hospital at 5.30am the man’s condition was said to be critical.”

The driver of a white Mercedes Sprinter van who failed to stop immediately after the collision, later returned to the scene and was arrested. He has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Inspector Lucy Sewell of Warwickshire Police told the Coventry Telegraph: “We believe the accident happened some time between 4am and 4.45am when the ambulance found the man.

“The van then returned to the scene. It’s a local man who is under arrest for failing to stop at the scene of an accident.”

As for the victim, the as yet unnamed 60-year old cyclist from Bedworth in Warwickshire remains in a critical condition and on a life support machine.

Warwickshire Police are hoping to hear from witnesses who were travelling northbound or southbound along this section of the A46 dual carriageway at the time of the collision or who saw either the pedal cyclist or white van stationary or travelling along the A46 Southbound.

Witnesses are asked to contact PC 1890 Chris Scriven at Rugby on 01926 451111 ext 5415.