Police trace lorry driver believed to be involved in fatal A49 collision
Police have traced a lorry they believe was involved in a fatal road collision with a cyclist on the A49 near Shrewsbury.
West Mercia Police officers from Shropshire were in South Wales today to interview a 39-year-old lorry driver.
The cyclist, Michael John Saunders, aged 61, from Bayston Hill, was making his way home from Church Stretton along the A49 when it’s believed he was in collision with a vehicle between Leebotwood and Dorrington.
He had set off from his place of work at around 3.30am on Monday and his body was found on a grass verge by a passing tractor driver shortly before 5am.
A police investigation was launched and an appeal issued for witnesses who spotted the cyclist travelling the A49.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, the officer leading the investigation, said this afternoon: “We have identified a lorry which we believe was involved in this incident. The driver is currently helping us with our inquiries and being interviewed in South Wales.
“The vehicle was traced following extensive work at the scene, with CCTV and through other inquiries. We are also liaising closely with South Wales Police.”
He added that the cyclist has yet to be formally identified but his family are being kept informed of developments.
A post mortem was conducted by a Home Office pathologist yesterday and an inquest will be opened by the Shropshire coroner in due course.
