Cyclist dies in Glasgow hospital following collision with van - police appeal for witnesses

A man has died in hospital following injuries sustained when he was hit by a van while cycling in Irvine, North Ayrshire on Thursday, and police have made an appeal for witnesses.

George O'Hara, from Prestwick, was seriously injured after the collision with the van on the northbound A78 at 09.40 on Thursday, and died at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow the following day.

Friends and family have paid tribute to 68-year-old O'Hara, whom they describe as an "accomplished cyclist" and "one of the all time greats" of his cycling club of 50 years, the Ivy.

The family statement said: "George was a recognised published author and an accomplished cyclist.

"He enjoyed racing and riding his bike for over 50 years and achieved many race victories, some at national level.

"He is admired in the cycling community for holding the record for cycling from Glasgow to Oban and back in under nine hours which stood for over 18 years."

The driver of the silver Vauxhaull Morvano, a 40 year old male, and his 37-year-old passenger, were uninjured in the collision.

Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has any information, to call 101. Sergeant Andy Johnston, of the Irvine divisional road policing unit, is leading the investigation.

One fellow Ivy CC rider described him as "one of the all time greats of the Ivy, with a satirical view on life. A creative thinker."