Horror moment van smashes into cyclist tearing his bike in half… but police WON’T investigate
A CYCLIST was forced to turn detective on his own hit and run and find evidence – but coppers STILL refuse to investigate.
Matt Cooper, 54, was left seriously injured after a van ploughed into him at a junction and smashed his bike in half.
The London based business investor was left with a Grade 4 shoulder separation – meaning the ligaments between his collarbone and his shoulder were completely torn.
Cop said without witnesses they couldn’t investigate – so Matt got on the case and obtained CCTV on the incident from a local pub, as well as having taken a picture of the van’s number plate at the time.
But despite having a dossier of proof, police said there was “insufficient evidence” to proceed.
He told The Sun: “It’s so frustrating. I did all the hard work for them and they just shut the case.”
A few weeks later Cooper was then sent a letter from the Met Police which read: “As there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction, it has been decided to take no further action in respect of this matter.”
Five months on from the terrifying accident he’s still in pain after a series of physio sessions, osteopath appointments and MRI scans.
He continued: “I have had extensive physical therapy and a series of steroid injections. I am still in constant pain, which increases when I cycle and makes it difficult to sleep.
“The driver was in the wrong, I had the right of way and he just turned at the junction without looking.
“He even shouted at me about ‘f***ing cyclists’ as I was trying to peel myself off the road.
“He was in a five tonne van and I was on a five kilo bike. The impact threw it 20 foot away from me down the road and it was smashed in half.
“I’ve been cycling for 30 years and I also drive, I know people make mistakes – but he was in the wrong and you have to respect the law.
“The police are showing you can get away with anything when cyclists are involved”.
The shocking footage shows Mr Cooper writhing on the ground after being struck by the van, with his £10,000 Trek Madone bike smashed to bits.
He said he had been cycling to meet friends in Surrey when the incident happened on the New Kings Road, west London at the junction with Peterborough Road.
A Met Police spokesman told The Sun: “Police investigated the circumstances of a collision involving a cyclist and a van in New Kings Road, SW3 that occurred on Saturday, 26 September 2020.
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“The cyclist was injured as a result of this collision. This investigation included the examination of CCTV as well as speaking to both parties involved.
“Following an analysis of all the information available, a decision was taken that there was insufficient evidence to prove any driving offences had been committed.
“We will endeavour to make further contact with the cyclist to better explain our decision making process in reaching this conclusion.”
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