Tributes paid as teenage cyclist killed in Bingham crash is named

Video: Inspector Simon Heads speaks about the investigation

Tributes have been paid to a ‘cheerful and happy’ 14-year-old boy killed in an alleged hit and run as he rode his bike along a Nottinghamshire lane.

He has now been named as Jack Archer, a pupil at Toot Hill School in the town, who was struck by a car near Bingham on Monday night.

In a statement, a spokesman for the school said: “All at Toot Hill School are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Jack. Our thoughts are with Jack’s family, friends and students at Toot Hill School who will be devastated by this sad news.

“Jack was a very popular member of his year group and he had many close friends. Jack was always a cheerful and happy student who had a real zest for life.

“The Head Teacher, Ash Rahman, has been in contact with Jack’s parents and offered our condolences and support. The school will provide counselling support for our students when the school reopens in September, particularly for those who were close to Jack.”

Video: The crash scene at Bingham

Jack was cycling along Chapel Lane, between Bingham and the old A46, when he was in collision with a silver car at around 10.15pm.

The road is still closed and motorists are being advised to avoid the area while police examine the scene of the collision.

Head of Serious Collision Investigation for the East Midlands Simon Heads said: “Two of my sergeants met with the parents this morning who are clearly devastated and that’s why we’re really determined to answer what happened.

“Our forensic team are looking for any evidence with a fingertip search along the tarmac, pavement on one of the sides and in the shrubbery on either side.

“We will leave no stone unturned to answer what happened here.”

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Flowers and tributes left close to the scene of the crash

People have been leaving floral tributes on Chapel Lane and hundreds of messages of tribute and support to Jack’s family have been posted on Facebook and Twitter.

A Notts Police spokesman said: “A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision. He remains in police custody.

“Officers are specifically interested in talking to the occupants of a second car which is thought to have passed the cyclist immediately before the collision took place.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Notts Police on 101 quoting incident number 983 of July 25.