Witness appeal after two riders seriously injured on BHF London to Brighton Bike Ride

Were you on yesterday’s British Heart Foundation (BHF) London to Brighton Bike Ride? Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses to two separate incidents involving riders participating in the event, one of whom is in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The man, aged in his 30s and from London, crashed into a telegraph pole in Rocky Lane, Gatton at 0725 on Sunday morning say police. He was taken to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, South London, where he is said to be in a critical condition.

A female rider taking part in the event was taken to the same hospital by air ambulance after a collision in Rookery Hill, Outwood, at around 10am. The woman, also in her 30s, suffered head and eye injuries and her condition is described as stable.

Anyone who witnessed either incident, or who has other information relating to them, is asked to call Surrey Police’s Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting incident reference P14172787.

Around 28,000 cyclists set off from Clapham Common yesterday morning on the 54-mile ride to the South Coast resort.

BHF director of fundraising Louise Parkes, quoted on the London Evening Standard website, said: “We are saddened to hear that two cyclists have been injured while taking part in today’s British Heart Foundation London to Brighton Bike Ride.

"An investigation will be carried out in conjunction with the police, ride managers and other agencies. As soon as we’re in a position to comment further we will do so. Our thoughts are with those involved and their families.”