Cyclist killed in collision in Warwickshire named

A woman who died in a collision with a car during a cycling time trial in Warwickshire has been named by police.

Catherine Ward, who worked for Warwickshire Police, died at the scene of the collision on the A46 near Bidford-on-Avon on Wednesday night.

The 52-year-old's family said: "Cath was a very caring and loving wife, mother and sister."

Warwickshire Police said she earned two national awards for the force and they were "greatly saddened" by her death.

Her husband Martin said: "Cath's first priority was to care for her family, in particular her two daughters, Louise and Fiona, myself, and also our dog Monty, who came a close third.

'Perfect match'

"She cared passionately about her work, for the police force and previously for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents where we met.

"Her caring nature was a perfect match for public service."

Mrs Ward was an accomplished sportswoman who represented Somerset as a junior tennis player. She was captain of Dorridge Cricket Club's Ladies First Team and ran two London Marathons.

She took up cycling two years ago and was the fastest female time-trialist at Solihull Cycling Club.

Mrs Ward joined Warwickshire Police press office in 1995. She held various roles and was recently working on an investigation into the deaths of four firefighters in Atherstone-on-Stour.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Parker said: "In everything she did, she was enthusiastic, professional and dedicated."

A man has been arrested and bailed on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.