Cyclist, 60, hit by lorry on A419 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Cyclist, 60, hit by lorry on A419

A MAN is critically ill in hospital after he was hit by a lorry on the A419 today.

The 60-year-old cyclist, from the Walcot area, was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to the Great Western Hospital.

He is said to be in a critical condition after suffering a serious head injury and numerous fractures.

The accident happened at 5.10am on the northbound carriageway between Commonhead and Dorcan.

Police believe that the cyclist's bike was struck by a passing vehicle, which did not stop at the scene, before being hit by the mirror of the 7.5 tonne lorry. The driver of the lorry was uninjured.

The northbound carriageway was closed for around four and a half hours, causing lengthy tailbacks.

A spokesman from Swindon traffic police said: "The road had been closed but was re-opened at around 10am.

"Traffic, while heavy, returned to normal along the A419."

Meanwhile, two people who died after their BMW overturned on the M4 have been named.

Driver John Edwards, 66, and his passenger Allison Douglas, aged 56, both of Monmouth, died after their car ploughed into a barrier near junction 18 the Bath turn-off on Friday.

Police are appealing for witnesses to this morning's accident to come forward, particularly the driver who failed to stop.

Contact PC Steve Love, Northern Roads Policing Unit at Gablecross Police Station on 01793 528111.