Two arrested after cyclist killed in Wolverhampton hit-and-run
Two men have been arrested following a hit-and-run smash which killed a cyclist on the A449 Stafford Road in Wolverhampton.
The 74-year-old, who is yet to be formally identified, was declared dead at the scene of the crash which happened at around 12.30pm yesterday near the Texaco garage.
A black Seat Leon which officers were hunting for following the collision was recovered last night from a garage in Crown Street, about half a mile away from the scene of the tragedy.
Two men from Wolverhampton, one aged 30 and another 33, have been arrested in connection with the collision and bailed pending further investigation.
Police drafted in the force helicopter in the wake of the accident which happened shortly after 12.30pm yesterday in an attempt to find the car as it fled the scene.
Cyclist dies after hit-and-run on A449 in Wolverhampton
The man was confirmed dead at the scene despite paramedics rushing to help him.
Specially trained officers are now offering support to the victim's family.
Video: The West Midlands Air Ambulance takes off after the crash
Witnesses today described their horror at what happened and said members of the public rushed to the scene to see if they could help when they realised what had happened. Stafford Road was closed in both directions from the Five Ways island to the McDonald's island while investigators examined the scene.
It was reopened out of the city by 3pm yesterday. Officers were at the scene directing pedestrians around the fatal incident with employees from nearby businesses looking on with concern.
The air ambulance was also called to the scene. Signs have also been put at the scene near the Texaco garage calling on drivers who use the busy route that may have any information about the crash to contact officers.
Stafford Road was reopened by officers once detailed investigations had been completed at the scene of the crash.
Sgt Tim Rogers, from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This was a tragic case where a man has lost his life and the driver of the vehicle involved failed to stop and contact police.
"I want to thank the public for the response to our appeal to trace the car yesterday and would continue to ask anyone who witnessed what happened or anyone with any information to come forward and call us."
Witnesses should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
