Cyclist fighting for life after suspected hit and run

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward



A cyclist is fighting for life after a suspected hit and run in Coventry.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man in his 20s was knocked off an electric bike by a car on Avon Street in Stoke.

West Midlands Police confirmed it believes the incident was a hit and run.

The man was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

A statement issued by West Midlands Police this morning said: "Police were called to a collision between an electric bike and car in Avon Street, Coventry, shortly before 10pm last night (27 July).

"A man in his 20s was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries, where he remains in a critical condition.

"Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log number 2976 of 27 July."

Reports on social media said that a police helicopter was circling above the Wyken area after the incident.

Man, 21, killed in Coventry hit-and-run

A man, 21, has died following a hit-and-run in Coventry last week.

He suffered serious injuries in the collision and passed away in hospital on Sunday night (July 29).

The incident happened on Avon Street at around 10pm on Friday, when a dark BMW SUV collided with the electric bike the young man was riding.

The occupants of the BMW failed to stop at the scene and police are trying to trace them.

Detective constable Jo Wright from West Midlands Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “We are continuing to investigate the circumstances around the tragic death of this young man.

“We are focused on identifying the occupants in the car and we are keen to hear from anyone with information or who witnessed the incident.

“We are also appealing for anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.

“This could hold vital information to help with our enquiries.

“The family are receiving support from family liaison officers and, our thoughts are with them following their loss.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 and quote log number 2976 of 27 July or email FL.COLLISION_INVEST@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk .

“To remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police name cyclist killed in Coventry hit-and-run horror



Police have named the victim of the Avon Street hit-and-run as 21-year-old Saqalain Ahmed.

Saqalain was badly injured just before 10pm on Friday, July 27, after a dark BMW SUV collided with him at the junction of Alfall Road by Barras Heath.

He died in hospital on Sunday, July 29.

The driver involved is being urged to "do the right thing" and come forward, as the victim’s family agreed to release the security camera footage that captured the tragedy.

Saqalain was riding an electric bike when it was hit by the BMW, which did not brake or stop at the scene of the collision.

His family have described Saqalain, from Coventry, as 'lovely, caring and bright.'

In a statement they said: "Saqalain was a loving son and brother; he was very caring and a bright boy.

"We will miss him dearly and life will never be the same again.

"We appeal to anyone with information to contact the police. We request that our privacy is respected at this difficult time."

Sgt Alan Hands, from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "The family of Saqalain has been left devastated by his death and we are continuing to support them during this traumatic time.

"We are actively seeking to trace the vehicle involved, but most importantly I would urge the driver to do the right thing.

"Just get in touch with us so we can hear your side of the story. There may be reasons why you didn't stop and the very least that Saqalain's family deserve is that answer."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 and quote log number 2976 of 27 July or email FL.COLLISION_INVEST@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.

To remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police issue fresh appeal following new information into fatal hit and run



Police investigating a fatal hit-and-run in Coventry have launched a new appeal.

Officers are asking anyone who saw a black BMW X5 in the area at the time to come forward.

Officers believe a vehicle of this model - which had tinted rear windows and two men inside - was involved in the collision in Avon Street last month (July 27).

Saqalain Ahmed was riding an electric bike when he was struck by a car at around 10pm.

The 21-year-old died in hospital two days later.

Officers initially understood a dark BMW SUV may have been the vehicle involved but new information has come to light following an appeal for witnesses.

It is now believed to be a black BMW X5 - second generation model - which had a male driver and passenger.

Sergeant Alan Hands, from the West Midlands Police serious collision investigation unit, said: "We are determined to trace the vehicle, and whoever was inside, and will not let up on this.

"We believe the BMW X5 will have suffered damage to the windscreen, bonnet and grille so we are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a car like this being stored somewhere.

"It is never too late to do the right thing and I would again urge the driver to come forward and speak to us to explain what happened."