Hit and run driver moves unconscious cyclist's bike out of the way before driving off

A driver who hit a cyclist, knocking him unconscious, is believed to have moved the bike out of the way before leaving the scene.

The Reverend Canon Richard Kellett was cycling in Pleasley, near Mansfield, Derbyshire, when he was hit by a car, leaving him with broken ribs and severe bruising.

He doesn't remember what happened after he swerved to avoid the oncoming car, but when three men discovered him, his bike was leaning against the hedge.

The 51-year-old Reverend told the Nottingham Post: "It's quite a narrow country lane so I swerved to move out of the way, but the car just kept going and hit me.

"I don't remember that much about it but from my injuries I must've flown off and landed on my back.

"The other thing we know is that the driver must have stopped to move my bike out of the way.

"I was found a few minutes later by some very kind members of the public, and my bike was leant up against the hedge.

"I've broken my ribs so am in a lot of pain when it comes to moving, and I also have a lot of bruising, although that is beginning to subside."

Reverend Kellett has called for greater tolerance between road users, a call that was echoed by Nottingham-based charity Pedals who said drivers need more experience as cyclists.

A spokeswoman for Nottinghamshire Police said: "The force was called to Baxter Hill at about 7.39pm on August 8 to a report of a collision involving a cyclist and a car.

"The male cyclist, who was found injured in the road by a member of the public, was taken to Kings Mill Hospital with what is thought to be minor injuries.

"The car believed to be involved had left the scene and police are appealing for the driver to get in touch."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 referencing incident 859 of August 8.