A1 collision information appeal

The incident happened just before 8.55am on Sunday 18th March on the A1 southbound carriageway close to the end of the A634 Spital Road slip road, about one mile south of Blyth services.

Andrew Ridsdale, 43, from Mirfield in West Yorkshire, was participating in an organised time trial event on his bicycle when he was in collision with a heavy goods vehicle (HGV). He died at the scene.

The 42-year-old driver of the HGV was arrested for death by dangerous driving and subsequently bailed.

Detectives would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or was driving along that section of the A1 between 8.50am and 9am that day.

In particular, they think a woman, possibly elderly, who was driven home by someone in a high-visibility jacket — possible a first aider — may have vital information. 

She stopped immediately after the collision and told people from Flo’s Café, in a nearby lay-by, that she had witnessed the crash. She was clearly upset by what she had seen.

The woman, or anyone with any information, should telephone the Crash Investigation Unit on 101, extension 800 2229, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.