Tributes paid to ‘gentle giant’ cyclist killed in crash near Trafford Centre

Heartfelt tributes have been left for a much-loved 'gentle giant' who died following a crash on his bike. Neville Witter was involved in a crash with a lorry at Ellesmere Circle, close to the Trafford Centre[1].

The 58-year-old was taken to hospital following the crash at around 5.10pm on Thursday, August 10. Tragically, he was pronounced dead later that evening.

Greater Manchester Police appealed for relatives to come forward[2] in the days following Neville's death. Since then, tributes have been left at the scene, with locals paying their respects to Neville at the busy Trafford Park[3] roundabout.

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Flowers and messages have been left alongside a 'ghost bike', which was left by Martin Buswell, from Urmston[5]. He told the Manchester Evening News: "Neville was a regular at the bike shop I work at, Manchester Cycle Exchange. He was a gentle giant, always polite and asking how everyone was."

News of Neville's death came as a shock to Martin and his colleagues, but he has been pleased to see people 'coming together' with tributes in his memory.

Tributes have been left to cyclist Neville Witter, who died after a crash on Ellesmere Circle Tributes have been left to cyclist Neville Witter, who died after a crash on Ellesmere Circle

Martin added: "We were shocked and saddened to hear what happened to him, so we made the ghost bike as a memorial to him, and also as a reminder to motorists to look out for cyclists. I was moved to see how many flowers were already at the site when I put the bike there."

Tributes were also left to Neville on the M.E.N.'s Facebook page after he was named by police. Andrew Hutton commented: "RIP Neville one of life's good guys."

Flowers alongside the 'ghost bike' left for Neville Flowers alongside the 'ghost bike' left for Neville

Amanda Redman added: "RIP Neville, such a pleasant hard-working man." A photo of Neville with his thumb up, wearing a hard hat and hi-vis, can be seen among the tributes at Ellesmere Circle alongside the message 'NEVILLE R.I.P.'.

Another written tribute said: "Nev, you will be missed truly." GMP said the collision had caused Neville to 'come off his bicycle', before he was taken to Salford Royal Hospital.

Tributes left at the scene Tributes left at the scene

A 77-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He was later released on bail.

Police have previously appealed for witnesses to come forward. Sergeant Phillip Collingwood, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said following the crash: "This was a devastating incident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who sadly lost his life.

Neville Witter Neville Witter

"The accident occurred in the middle of rush hour at a very busy roundabout in Trafford Park, not far from the Trafford Centre. As such, we believe that there will be a number of people who may have either witnessed the incident or have dash cam footage of the area at, or around, 5.10pm [on August 10].

"We would also like to hear from any of the businesses in the area that may have CCTV footage covering the area. If you can help, please contact us on 0161 856 4741 quoting log number 2713 - 10082023.

"Information can also be passed by contacting 101." GMP has been approached for an update on the investigation.

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References

  1. ^ Trafford Centre (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
  2. ^ Greater Manchester Police appealed for relatives to come forward (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
  3. ^ Trafford Park (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
  4. ^ by clicking here (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
  5. ^ Urmston (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
  6. ^ clicking this link (chat.whatsapp.com)

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