Sunderland cyclist killed and bike taken after crash
A CYCLIST was killed and his bike taken as he exchanged details with a driver after a crash.
Stan Coates, from West Herrington, Sunderland, was hit as he travelled along Burdon Lane, near Doxford Park, at 4.45pm on Friday.
As he stopped to swap insurance details with the driver of the first vehicle, a second car hit them.
Mr Coates, 55, was airlifted to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Bad weather meant air ambulance crew were unable to fly to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and were forced to make a nine-minute journey to the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.
It’s also thought Mr Coates’ bike may have been stolen while he waited for police to arrive following the first collision.
Police are now appealing for more information on a dark grey Transit-type van, which pulled up at the scene and offered help.
The two men in the van, who are described as looking like they had just finished work, said they lived near Mr Coates and would take his black bicycle home for him.
But it has still not been returned to his family.
Police signs appealing for witnesses to come forward were today at the scene where Mr Coates was killed, at the junction between Burdon Lane and Burdon Village.
He suffered back and pelvic injuries and was given first aid at the scene by paramedics, before the arrival of the Great North Air Ambulance.
The 24-year-old driver of the first car which collided with Mr Coates was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
No arrests have been made in connection with the accident which caused the road to be closed for several hours.
Both cars involved were Vauxhall Corsas.
•Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information about the bicycle might be is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101
Twitter: @Sunechokaty
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Weather for Sunderland
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 13 C
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