Family of cyclist who died in crash 'devastated'

The family of a cyclist, who was at the heart of his community, have said they are "devastated and heartbroken" after he died following a crash with a van.

Police were called to the A134 near Sudbury, Suffolk, at the staggered junction with Mills Lane on 5 May.

The cyclist, 77-year-old Ian Simpson from Hartest, near Bury St Edmunds, died at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge three weeks later.

In a statement, his family described him as a "confident, intelligent, fit and healthy man".

They said he had 30 years' cycling experience, covering up to 150 miles per week, and had taught Bikeability sessions at schools in Suffolk.

He was also training to do a 24-hour, 240-mile charity ride, in support of people with motor neurone disease, which a close friend had recently been diagnosed with.

"Ian was an avid sports fan and his greatest passion was his beloved Sunderland football team and the Outliers cycling group," they said.

"He was a funny, kind and caring man who loved his family and friends so much."

They said he was on the Hartest Fete Committee, organised quizzes to support the local school and became Father Christmas for the school each year.

"The family are devastated and heartbroken at this sudden loss."

A 41-year-old man from Canvey Island in Essex, who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drug-driving, has been released under investigation pending the outcome of blood tests.

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.