Kent Police issue witness appeal after National Escort Group motorcyclist killed during road race

Kent Police have issued a witness appeal after a National Escort Group motorcycle marshall was killed in an incident in Lamberhurst during the first day of British Cycling's South East Road Race League three dave event.

According to a report in Kent Online, the 55 year old motorcyclist was seriously injured in a collision with a car in Furnace Lane, Hook Green near the Elephant's Head pub at around 10.40am yesterday and was pronounced dead at the scene. The race was immediately abandoned and the rest of the weekend event cancelled.

In a statement issued last night British Cycling President, Brian Cookson said: "This is a tragedy which will sadden everyone associated with road racing in this country.

"My thoughts and those of everyone at British Cycling are with the friends and family of the NEG rider."

According to the local media report the motorcyclist who died was from Surbiton and was an official of the British Cycling's South Eastern League - the National Escort Group is made up of accredited motorcyclists who trained to assist with the safety of events held on open roads either working in combination with police motorcyclists or on their own.

This incident coming less than three months after the death of Herbalife Leisure Lakes rider, Junior Heffernan who was killed during the Severn Bridge Road Race in early March when he collided with a car on the course is sure to bring the issue of race safety in to even sharper focus and again underlines the pressures that race organisers, competitors and marshals have to cope with on Britain's crowded roads.

If you witnessed yesterday's collision and have not yet spoken to the police please phone the Serious Collision Unit on 01622 798538.