Tragedy as cyclist killed in New Year’s Day crash

TRIBUTES have been paid to a cyclist killed in a New Year’s Day accident on a country road.

The 4 -year-old, named locally as John Williamson, died after a collision with a red Kia Rio just before .30pm.

Paramedics were called to the scene on a straight section of on the A862 in the Kirkhill area of Inverness-shire but Mr Williamson, from nearby Kiltarlity, died from his injuries.

Kiltarlity Community Council chairman Norman Grant said: ‘My thoughts are with his family.’

The family of Mr Williamson, who was also known as William, were being comforted last night.

Ewan Murray sent a tweet to family member George Williamson saying: ‘Thoughts are with you and the family, stay strong lad.’

Police Scotland yesterday confirmed: ‘The 4 -year-old male cyclist died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained during the crash.

‘The A862 was closed for the duration of the incident and roads policing officers attended the scene to undertake a collision investigation, with the road reopening again at 1.50am on Tuesday morning.’

Nobody has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, two elderly people were in serious condition in hospital last night after a head-on car crash in Ayrshire.

An 80-year-old man, who was driving, and his 0-year-old female passenger were taken to Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, after the head-on collision on Saltcoats Road in Dalry around 11.10am on Sunday.

A 24-year-old who was also involved in the crash was released from Crosshouse Hospital after treatment.

Sergeant Ian Thornton said: ‘I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the crash, or has information, to contact the divisional road policing unit at Irvine.’

‘Died at the scene from injuries’