Police appeal for witnesses after cyclist dies in crash near Peebles

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist died following a collision with a vehicle in the Borders.

The incident happened on the A703 road just north of Peebles at about 4.20pm yesterday.

The cyclist, who has not been named, appeared to have lost control of the bicycle, veered into the southbound carriageway and collided with a Fiat Panda.

Witnesses gave the man first aid until emergency services arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cyclist is described as being a male between 40 - 50 years old and was using a red and white Peugeot racing bike. He was wearing a yellow jacket, blue and yellow cycle top, and black cycling shorts.

The road was closed for around three and a half hours while collision investigation and vehicle recovery took place.

Officers are following a number of lines of enquiry, however it is believed the cyclist may have become medically unwell immediately prior to the collision.

Sergeant Brian Jones from Lothian and Borders Police Road Policing Branch said: “This was a terribly sad incident which has left a man dead and a number of witnesses greatly affected.

“There may be someone out there who recognises the description of this cyclist and I would appeal to them to come forward as a matter of urgency.

“Similarly I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward - they may have vital information that could greatly assist us in establishing the full circumstances.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Galashiels Police Station on 01896 664545 or the Force Communication Centre on 0131 311 3131.