A man in his 50s is fighting for his life in hospital after being struck by a car in East London. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the driver, a 33-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop, and being unfit to drive through drink or drugs.
The collision occurred at around 11.15pm on Thursday, 6 August, on Aylward Street in Stepney Green. Police and London Ambulance Service crews were dispatched to the scene, where the cyclist was treated as a priority. He was later taken to a major trauma centre, where he remains in a critical condition.
The driver was taken into custody and remains there as investigations continue. A video posted online appears to show the moment of the collision, with the car hitting the cyclist as he rode along the road.
Emergency response and police statement
The Metropolitan Police have issued a statement detailing the incident. A spokesperson said: "Police were called at around 23:15hrs on Thursday, 6 August to reports of a collision involving a car and cyclist on Aylward Street, Stepney Green. Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service. The cyclist, a man in his 50s, was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment for life-threatening injuries. The driver of the car, a 33-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop and being unfit to drive through drink or drugs. He remains in police custody."
The London Ambulance Service also confirmed their response. A spokesperson said: "We were called at 11.16pm yesterday (6 August) to reports of a road traffic collision on Aylward Street, E1. We sent ambulance crews and an incident response officer. We also dispatched a trauma team in a car from London’s Air Ambulance. We treated a patient at the scene and took him to a major trauma centre as a priority by road."
Investigation and appeal for witnesses
Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. They can be contacted on 101, quoting reference 8767/06AUG. The investigation is ongoing, and officers are working to establish the full circumstances of the collision.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in London, particularly for cyclists. According to recent Transport for London data, cycling casualties in the capital have seen fluctuations, with a focus on improving infrastructure to protect vulnerable road users.
The driver's arrest on suspicion of being unfit to drive through drink or drugs underscores the seriousness of the incident. If convicted, he could face severe penalties, including imprisonment.
Local residents have expressed shock at the incident. One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "It's terrifying to think this happened right on our doorstep. We need more to be done to make our streets safer for cyclists."
As the investigation continues, the cyclist's family is being supported by specially trained officers. The police have urged the public to avoid speculation while the enquiry is underway.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by cyclists on London's roads. The authorities are keen to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage or witnessed the incident.
