Deptford 'hit and run': Horrified witnesses saw bike 'dragged 200m along the road' after fatal crash

Police stand by a blue forensic tent at the scene of the crash
NIGEL HOWARD ©
Owen Sheppard4 June 2018
WEST END FINAL

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Police were today hunting a suspected hit-and-run driver after a cyclist was killed on World Bicycle Day.

The victim, believed to be in his 50s, suffered fatal injuries in the crash at the junction between Childers Street and Rolt Street in Deptford just before 4.15pm yesterday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Horrified witnesses described seeing his bike caught on the car and dragged 200 metres up the road, leaving a trail of tyre marks.

They claimed the driver then abandoned his silver B Class Mercedes at the junction of Abinger Grove and Childers Street. A black bicycle was seen lying mangled beside it.

A cyclist was killed in a hit and run in Deptford
NIGEL HOWARD ©

It is the third cyclist death in London this year. Edgaras Cepuras, 37, and Oliver Speke, 46, were killed in the same week on the same road in nearby Greenwich last month.

Childers Street was sealed off as police forensic officers examined the area for evidence.

Abigail O’Neill Bruce, 34, said residents in the road rushed outside to the cyclist’s aid after the crash.

She told the Standard: “I took a blanket to put over him. It was quite horrible to see.”

Two men and a woman, one of whom was said to be an off-duty paramedic living nearby, attempted CPR on the victim before an air ambulance and other paramedics arrived.

Police investigate following the fatal crash
NIGEL HOWARD ©

Ms Bruce added: “It was unbelievable. Everyone was quite amazing. People were stopping the traffic from coming, a lot of people were trying to help.”

The fatal crash took place on what the United Nations’ first ever World Bicycle Day, to encourage member states to “improve road safety and integrate it into sustainable mobility and transport infrastructure”.

An eyewitness said the collision happened at the junction of a one-way street and a new cycle lane with segregated cycle-path on Childers Street, built two months ago.

Another neighbour added: “I’ve seen people driving at 50 mph down Childers Street. It’s terrible.”

The victim’s next of kin have not yet been informed.

A Met spokesman said: “Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses or those who have information to get in touch.”

They should call police on 020 8285 1574 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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