Cyclists may have "vital information" on Victoria Boris bike rider fatal crash, say police

Detectives investigating a collision in London last Friday in which a female cyclist died have renewed their appeal for witnesses and say they'd particularly like to hear from cyclists.

Detective Constable April Cummins said: "I am specifically appealing to those from the cycling community especially those who may have posted witness accounts on cycling forums. The information you have may be vital to our investigation and I urge you to come forward and speak to us.”

The incident happened just before 8am on Friday February 20 in Bressenden place at the junction with Victoria Street.

The 36-year-old cyclist, later identified as Claire Hitier-Abadie, a French national from Marylebone, Westminster, was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of the Metropolitan police, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade.

Ms Hitier-Abadie was the fourth cyclist to die in London this year. All four fatalities have involved HGVs, three of them construction vehicles.

The tipper lorry involved in the collision is owned by haulage contractor Gordon. In 2013 a tipper lorry belonging to the same company was involved in the death of hospital porter Brian Holt on Mile End Road.

The collision in Bressenden Place was just a few metres from the spot where Katharine Giles, 35, was killed by a left-turning HGV in April 2013.

It’s the second fatal Boris Bike collision in London. In July 2013 Philippine De Gerin-Ricard, 20, who was also French, died in Whitechapel.

The driver stopped at the scene and no arrests have been made.

DC Cummins said: “The collision took place during rush hour traffic and there were a number of people within the area who may have witnessed the incident who can assist us with our investigation."

A vigil and die-in for Ms Hitier-Abadie will be held on Monday 2nd March, meeting from 6pm for 6.30pm outside Westminster City Hall, Victoria Street.

The incident is being investigated by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit based at Merton Traffic Garage.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information is asked to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0208 543 5157 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.