Two cyclists killed after being hit by car in flood-hit Purley on Thames

Two cyclists were killed in flood-hit Purley on Thames

Two cyclists have been killed after they were hit by a car involved in a police incident in West Berkshire.


The victims were hit by a black BMW on the A329 Purley Rise in Purley on Thames at 9pm yesterday, police say.

Officers were responding to a ‘fear-for-welfare’ incident and became aware of the black BMW convertible related to the call-out.

Police were responding to a ‘fear-for-welfare’ incident

‘The BMW, which was travelling on the A329 Purley Rise, subsequently collided with two cyclists, who both died at the scene,’ said a spokesman for Thames Valley Police.

‘Specialist officers are currently in the process of informing and supporting their next of kin.’
The BMW’s driver was injured and taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. A man was later arrested in connection with the incident.

Parish council chairman Rick Jones said: ‘Reading is nearby and car crime is a normal occurrence in areas like that.

‘I do know of cars being stolen and police chasing them, and that road where the incident happened lends itself to cars travelling fast.

‘It’s a shock. It’s a very quiet village normally.’
The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
Purley on Thames is one of the areas worst hit by the flooding in the Thames Valley.