Appeal after death of cyclist
A cyclist has died following a collision with a car on the A19 in the early hours of yesterday morning.
A witness appeal has now been launched after emergency services were called to the collision involving a Ford Fiesta and a cyclist on the A19 between A183 Offerton and the A1231 North Hylton.
Police and paramedics attended the scene at 1.35am but sadly the male cyclist – who was in his 20s – died as a result of his injuries.
The man’s next of kin have been notified and have requested that their privacy is respected at this time.
The road was closed overnight following the incident and reopened shortly after 7am yesterday – delays remained in the area during rush hour.
An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the collision and officers are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Police would especially like to hear from anybody who was travelling on the A19 northbound in the Sunderland area at that time who may have dashcam footage, or anybody who witnessed a pedal bike being ridden on the road.
In particular, they would like to hear from the driver of a heavy goods vehicle that was in the area at the time and who may have witnessed the collision.
Sergeant Dave Roberts, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is clearly a tragic incident that has resulted in a man in his 20s losing his life.
"Our thoughts are with his family at this awful time.
“We are determined to find out what happened in the moments immediately before this collision and now need the public’s help.
“This is a busy road.
"And we believe other drivers may have seen a man riding a pedal bike on the northbound carriageway in the early hours of this morning.
"If you did and have any information – no matter how insignificant you feel it may be – please come forward and speak to us.
“Please also take time to check your dashcam footage and get in touch if there is absolutely anything that could assist our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website.
Alternatively, by calling 101 quoting log 47 130521.