A Scots cyclist has died after being struck by a car which was later discovered on fire.
Anthony Smith, 47, was airlifted to hospital following the collision with a vehicle while cycling in the Ling Road area of Loughborough, in Leicestershire, shortly after 8pm on Friday. Sadly Anthony, from Maryhill in Glasgow, died a short time later.
A silver Audi S3 which is thought to have struck Anthony was found ablaze around a mile away near Loughborough’s Queen’s Park. It's understood floral tributes and a large saltire bearing messages of condolence have been left nearby in honour of the 47-year-old, who was a support worker for a drug rehabilitation service in the town.
Anthony's heartbroken family and friends have been left devastated following the incident. Paying tribute, his family said: "Tony was a very caring person who helped others battle addiction, which he himself overcame.
"He loved the outdoors and keeping fit and over the past few years Tony lived life to the full – from skydiving to kayaking. He will be greatly missed by this family, especially his mother, brother, sister and his niece."
Officers from Leicestershire Police have confirmed that the car believed to be involved in the incident has since been recovered.
A 29-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, while two others, a man aged 40 and a woman, aged 31, were also detained on suspicion of assisting an offender.
The 29-year-old was later released on police bail pending further enquiries, while the two arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released under investigation.
Investigators have launched an appeal for information and urged anyone who believes they may have witnessed the crash to contact them.
The force said in a statement: “Officers would like to thank those who have already been in touch with information however we are still continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision.
“We are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam from the area at that time, or anyone who saw the silver Audi S3 before or following the collision.
“If you have any information that can help our investigation, please get in touch on 101 quoting incident 23*419667.”
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