The Metropolitan Police have issued CCTV images of a cyclist who was involved in a collision with a pedestrian who died of a stroke two days later and have appealed for him, as well as any witnesses, to come forward.
David Purkis, a 58-year-old married father of two from West Wickham in the London Borough of Bromley, died two days after the incident, which took place at the junction of Regent Street and New Burlington Street, W1 at around 5.40pm on Thursday 25 July.
According to police, “Initially both parties appeared uninjured and having spoken with each other at the scene they then carried on their journeys.”
However, on the Saturday, Mr Purkis suffered his fatal stroke. A post-mortem was conducted on Friday 9 August, and police say that they “await the result of further tests.”
Detective Constable Matt Hopgood from Catford Traffic Garage commented: "I would appeal to the cyclist and any witnesses to the collision to contact police.
"Any witness could hold vital information into what happened."
Anyone with information is requested to call the Metropolitan Police's Road Death Investigation Unit in Catford on 0208 285 1574.
It appears from the police's appeal that they may see a link between the collision between the cyclist and Mr Purkis, and the latter's death two days later.
While perceived conflict between pedestrians and cyclists is regularly flagged up as an issue of concern particularly in local media and at police community forums, it is thankfully rare that serious injuries result.
In 2011, the latest year for which figures are available, 99 pedestrians were seriously injured in incidents involving a pedal cycle, with two others killed.
Simon has been news editor at road.cc since 2009, reporting on 10 editions and counting of pro cycling’s biggest races such as the Tour de France, stories on issues including infrastructure and campaigning, and interviewing some of the biggest names in cycling. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, his background has proved invaluable in reporting on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, and the bike industry. He splits his time between London and Cambridge, and loves taking his miniature schnauzer Elodie on adventures in the basket of her Elephant Bike.