Cyclist dies after crash close to hospital

Colney Lane leads to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and Norwich Research Park

A cyclist in his 50s has died after a crash with a car, police have said.

Norfolk Police said it was called at about 05:10 GMT to Watton Road, at the junction with Colney Lane, Norwich, after a cyclist was hit by a black Mercedes CLA 200.

The driver, a man in his 20s, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink-driving. He remains in police custody.

Several roads in the area were closed, causing "significant disruption" at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the NHS trust said.

Watton Road, at the junction with Colney Lane, reopened at about 11:00 GMT

Police said the car was travelling in the direction of Hethersett.

Multiple roads were closed while emergency services attended the scene.

The force has appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

Seven cyclists have been killed on Norfolk’s roads so far this year, compared with four in 2022.

In October, Norfolk County Council said it had worked hard to improve the experience for cyclists across Norwich.

Campaigner Peter Silburn is calling for better safety measures for cyclists

Norwich Cycling Campaign chairman Peter Silburn said: "I am still feeling shocked by this.

"We need to build protected cycle lanes on busy fast roads, and in quieter urban areas we just need to reduce the amount of traffic and the speed of traffic."