Missing blue bike may provide clue to how Surrey cyclist died

Police believe that the whereabouts of an old blue Raleigh bike could provide a vital clue to solving the mysterious death of a cyclist last month, reports the BBC.

Derek Abbott died on July 6, a couple of weeks after being found with a severe head injury in Woking. It is not known how he sustained the injury, while the bike he is believed to have been riding that day has not been found.

One witness has reported seeing a group of men putting a blue bike in the back of a Transit van in White Rose Lane early the following morning. However, West Surrey Detective Chief Inspector Martin Goodwin, who is overseeing the investigation, said:

"We are no further forward in tracing the bicycle which we know Mr Abbott took everywhere he went. I believe that finding this bike, and determining whether it has sustained any damage, will help us progress this investigation.

"We are keeping an open mind about Mr Abbott's death at this stage as we prepare a report for the coroner into the circumstances of his untimely death. One of the theories we are exploring is that Mr Abbott was involved in a collision and the driver failed to stop.”

Goodwin said that Abbott had left the Sovereigns pub at 8.37pm and cycled to White Rose Lane – a two minute journey – before being found at 9.05pm, at which point he is described as having been ‘in a distressed state and appearing unwell.’

"However, there is no account from either the member of the public who found him or the ambulance crew of him being with a bike. We do know a number of people would have driven past while Mr Abbott was being attended to by the member of the public and the ambulance crew, and we are appealing to anyone who saw a bike matching the description given to come forward as a matter of urgency. We would particularly like to speak to an Asian man in his twenties who was driving an old, brightly-coloured car. He stopped to help and may have information which could help us progress our enquiries.”

If you have any information, contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference 66/2894/15 or by using the online reporting system. Alternatively, you can get in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.