Teenage boy killed by driver in Essex

A teenage boy has been killed while cycling in Essex.

The 15 year old was cycling along Clingoe Hill, Colchester, on Saturday afternoon, when he was hit by a car.

He died at the scene and a 54 year old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

A police spokeswoman said: “Officers were called shortly before 12.05pm on Saturday with reports of a collision involving a car and a cyclist, a 15-year-old boy.

“The ambulance service and air ambulance also attended.

“Sadly the teenager died at the scene. His family have been informed.

Three years ago we reported how cyclists in Colchester were increasingly involved in incidents causing death and serious injury.

Cyclists became one of the highest at risk groups, coming only second to motorcyclists.

In 2011 there were 69 KSis involving cyclists. This rose to 88 in 2012 and between April and August rose to 42.

Adam Pipe, the casualty reduction manager for Essex said: “Our priority are motorcyclists who account for 26 per cent of KSIs, and cyclists.

“Since the Olympics we have seen a dramatic increase. Lots of people are returning to cycling and Colchester has the highest problem.”