London pedestrian sustains life-threatening injuries after hit-and-run collision involving cyclist

Police in London have appealed for witnesses after a pedestrian was left with critical injuries yesterday following a collision involving a cyclist who subsequently fled the scene and abandoned his bike.

The Metropolitan Police say that the incident happened shortly after 5pm on Kingsland High Street in the London Borough of Hackney.

The pedestrian, a woman who is thought to be aged in her 50s, had been trying to cross the road when the collision happened.

She was taken to hospital with what police described as life-threatening injuries and officers are trying to trace her next-of-kin.

The cyclist came off his bike but remounted and rode off, according to police. The bicycle was later found abandoned in Approach Close, N16 and has been retained by police, who are also reviewing CCTV footage.

Detective Constable Darren Case of the Metropolitan Police’s Serious Collisions Investigations Unit said: "This is a shocking incident as it appears the cyclist involved did not stop to assist the victim or contact the emergency services, instead making off.

"We need to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time. Did you see the cyclist before, during or after the collision? Maybe you are in possession of dashcam footage or filmed the cyclist on your mobile phone as he made off, if you did it is vital that you make contact with us.

"We are also appealing directly to the cyclist along with his friends and family who may know of his whereabouts, the pedestrian has suffered life threatening injuries as a result of this collision and it is important that you do the right thing and make contact with police."

Anyone who has information is asked to contact the Serious Collisions Investigations Unit at Chadwell Heath on 020 8597 4874 or call 101 quoting CAD 5837/28 August.

The incident comes at a time when the issue of collisions between cyclists and pedestrians is in the spotlight, with the government currently consulting on reforming the law regarding dangerous cycling.