Cyclist could lose finger after lorry crash (From Your Local Guardian)

Cyclist could lose finger after Mitcham lorry crash

4:27pm Wednesday 12th November 2008 in News

A cyclist was left needing surgery and may lose a finger after being hit by a lorry in Mitcham.

Police are hunting the driver who drove away from the scene in Laburnum Road, following an argument with the injured rider.

The 18-year-old cyclist was riding east along Laburnum Road when the green, low-loading lorry reversed into his path out of Tonstall Road at 10.50am on Thursday, October 30.

To avoid a collision, the cyclist placed his hand on the lorry but caught his little finger on a hook and suffered a three-inch cut down to the bone.

The victim took himself to St Helier Hospital before being transferred to St George’s Hospital.

He has had one operation on his hand and is due a second this week to try to save his finger.

Witnesses are urged to come forward.

The driver is white, thought to be in his late 30s or early 40s, of medium build and 5ft 9in tall.

He has a London accent and wore blue jeans with a high-visibility vest.

Anyone who can assist should call the Met Police Traffic Serious Casework Unit on 020 7230 4994.

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