A CYCLIST in his 20s who was hit on the East Lancs today has died. 

Just before 7am this morning, Friday, November 3, police received a report that a white Volkswagen Sirocco car was involved in a collision with a cyclist at the junction of Moorgate Road and East Lancashire Road, Knowsley on the Liverpool-bound carriageway.

The male cyclist, aged 25, was taken to hospital but he died a short time later.

His next of kin have been informed and being supported by specially trained officers.

A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs and driving a vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the limit.

He is currently in custody and will be questioned by officers.

Road closures are still in place in both directions of East Lancashire Road (A580) from junction 4 of M57 to Coopers Lane and we ask that drivers avoid the area and find an alternative route.

Officers are are appealing for witnesses, and for any CCTV and dash camera footage which may have captured the incident, to please get in touch to assist the investigation. 

Appeal for witnesses

Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, from Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our sincere thoughts are with the man’s family at this tragic time.  They are being supported by specially trained officers.

“Although we have made an arrest, we are still appealing for information to help our ongoing investigation.

“If you witnessed the incident, or have CCTV or dashcam footage, please contact us if you have not already done so.

"I urge drivers who were in the area to please check dashcam footage to see if it has captured anything that will help with the investigation as every piece of information is vitally important to our investigation to establish what happened.” 

Anyone who witnessed the collision or captured anything on CCTV or dashcam is asked to contact SCIU on (0151) 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk with log 23001090743.