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Cyclist killed in road accident

1:16pm Friday 19th September 2008

comment Comments (56)   Have your say »


POLICE are appealing for information after a 51-year-old cyclist was killed in a road accident involving two cars.

Graham Thwaites of Petersham Drive, St Paul's Cray, was hit by a blue Mitsubishi Shogun in Leesons Hill at the junction with Highfield Road, shortly after 8.30pm last night.

He was taken to King's College Hospital where he died at 1.48am this morning.

Five men have since been arrested.

A Vauxhall Vectra was stopped nearby in Beddington Road, St Paul's Cray and the four men inside aged between 22 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

A Mitsubishi Shogun was found abandoned in Cricket Ground Road, Chislehurst a few hours later.

Leesons Hill re-opened at 5.48am this morning.

A 33-year-old man wanted in connection with the incident handed himself in at Bromley police station this morning and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Sergeant Simon Seeley, who is leading the investigation, said: "We believe there was an altercation between the blue Shogun and a second car, a blue Vauxhall Vectra, at an earlier set of traffic lights.

"Both cars then travelled at speed along Leesons Hill where the collision occurred.

"Neither vehicle stopped at the scene, but both have since been traced.

"I would ask anyone who was in the area at the time and saw either the collision or events immediately before or after it to get in touch with us."

Mary Spinks, of Leesons Hill, helped to tie flowers for Mr Thwaites to a nearby lamp post after the accident.

She said: "I have seen three accidents on this road to date and it is such a tragedy that this man has died.

"The emergency services must have been working on the man for at least an hour.

"I heard the crash and then a couple of minutes later a police car come past with its lights on.

"You take your life into your hands when you cross this road."

Patricia Grossi, of Highfield Road, saw the aftermath of the accident as police sealed of Leesons Hill and Highfield Road for most of the night.

The 70-year-old said: "No-one could come in or out of my road and there were police everywhere.

"The car involved smashed right into my wall and left it with huge cracks in it.

"The emergency services were fantastic though and they did everything they could.

"It is a tragedy for this man's family."

Another onlooker said she heard a man cry out after hearing a thud and clash of metal, adding: "That sound will stay with me for the rest of my life."

A post-mortem is due to take place on Monday (September 22).

Anyone with information is asked to contact the collision investigation unit at Catford on 020 8285 1574 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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JJ, SE says...
2:25pm Fri 19 Sep 08

The motoring under class strikes again. These scumbags really have a nerve to run over somebody and to leave this person dying. I hope they get as close to the 14 year maximum for causing death by dangerous driving as possible.

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Grieving friend, Orpington says...
2:33pm Fri 19 Sep 08

How could they just drive off and leave him there with such appalling injuries. He was such a lovely man, with a lovely family, who are now devestated beyond belief. I hope the culprits are locked up for a very long time. Rest in peace Graham, your smiling face will be sorely missed.

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Harry, Dartford says...
4:44pm Fri 19 Sep 08

They were most probably on something, that's why they didn't stop. I'll think twice before I hop on my bike again!

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Lucy, London says...
5:04pm Fri 19 Sep 08

Harry you do that!!

Just keep off the pavements!

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Malcolm, Orpington says...
6:48pm Fri 19 Sep 08

An example needs to be made of these idiots. There have recently been several attacks on local cyclists. The message needs to be sent that this sort of driving is not tolerated.

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pedestrian, chislehurst says...
7:12pm Fri 19 Sep 08

Perhaps they should be allowed to cycle on the pavements to be safe there never seems to be many people walking these days esp at that time of the evening. My heart really goes out to his family. There are too many 'jumped up' motorists whose mentality is nil and think driving is just an extention of Mario Cart!

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Worried, Orpington says...
8:51pm Fri 19 Sep 08

Yet another fatality involving a 4x4. "B***er everyone else I've got a big jeep so sod everyone else"

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Jenny, Chislehurst says...
10:40pm Fri 19 Sep 08

As a local resident, I know how dangerous Leesons Hill Rd is. Even in my sportscar, I keep at 30 mph rather than risk those blind curves. Almost every day I have to avoid speeding drivers who see the road as a racing challenge. Worse, many police cars tear through the same curves at dangerous speeds. This is a better place for speed cameras instead of the clear straight roads with no intersections where often even sensible drivers go over the limit. Unfortunately councils are more interested in making profits from speed cameras than making roads safer.
My heart goes out to Mr Thwaites and his dear family.

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local, here says...
10:41pm Fri 19 Sep 08

Worried, not all 4x4 drivers are careless... only the ones who have no license ????

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David, a local resident, St Mary Cray says...
11:01pm Fri 19 Sep 08

Harry, said
they were most probably on something
, the pedestrian imagined them as
'jumped up' motorists ( as in drugs I suppose she meant, surely not ‘jumped up’ beyond their class?), both seeking to blame outside forces. Perhaps we should not so quickly credit people and our pet hates (4x4s) for events caused by irresponsible humans. At least three comments from readers blaming classes of people. I hope that by facing the reality of individual responsibility, we will be better at preventing such tragedies. Those young fools surely had parents, friends and, yes, neighbours --- any of whom could have offered firm guidance long before they grouped into self-approving twit clubs.

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Matt, wisbech says...
11:49pm Fri 19 Sep 08

I would like to say that i cannot belive that this driver didnt stop after running my uncle over because of this individual i have lost my uncle and i feel deeply for my cousins and aunt of whom have lost their father and husband.

UNCLE GRAHAM R.I.P WE ALL DEEPLY MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU ALWAYS

LOVE YOUR NEPHEW
MATT
****

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Phil (brother-in-law), Wisbech, Cambs says...
12:14am Sat 20 Sep 08

I have just got home. I watched my sister, collapse crying on to the floor of the relitives room, as the surgeon said to her "I am very sorry we did all we could". I watched tears roll down my nephew's face, after I formally identified his dead father, and tried to comfort my neice when the reality sank in that her dad was never coming home again. I hope you people can live with what you have done, because we've got to.
I love you Brov

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Tim, West Wickham says...
9:21am Sat 20 Sep 08

To Phil and Matt. Condolences and best wishes to you and all your family

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LL, Chislehurst says...
10:26am Sat 20 Sep 08

My heart goes out to your family and all the people whos lives have been destroyed by this tragedy. Hope the culprits get put away for a long time. Idiots!!

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Me, says...
11:03am Sat 20 Sep 08

Phil (brother-in-law) wrote:
I have just got home. I watched my sister, collapse crying on to the floor of the relitives room, as the surgeon said to her "I am very sorry we did all we could". I watched tears roll down my nephew's face, after I formally identified his dead father, and tried to comfort my neice when the reality sank in that her dad was never coming home again. I hope you people can live with what you have done, because we've got to. I love you Brov
Oh Phil that was very powerful and hopefully hits home where it should.
My thoughts are with you all.
Nothing will bring your loved one back but i hope justice is done and this will help in some small way.

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ollie, Kent says...
1:03pm Sat 20 Sep 08

Can anyone tell me if this 4 by 4 was light blue, as i was driving that way last night and i remember seeing a cyclist, (i think he had a high vis on) i also remember this 4 by 4 being righ up my backside!!! Am i thinking of the right one?

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orpington, orpington says...
1:05pm Sat 20 Sep 08

I am reading this with tears running down my face, I did not know the family in question, but I am devastated that "animal scum" can behave like this. I mean what kind of human being would walk away and leave a man dying with such awful injuries. I hope they throw away the bloody key when then cage these animals. I am so so angry about this. I just hope that they don't get away with it. My heartfelt condolonces go the family. I am so sorry at your loss.

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charley jeffryes, Orpington says...
2:18pm Sat 20 Sep 08

My heart goes out to Grahams family i know first hand how much this has hurt them because Graham's daughter Laura is my best friend and i cudnt beleive the sight i was greeted with yesturday when i walked into his house ive neva seen any members of their as upset as i saw then and with good reason graham was a fantastic guy, with a fantastic family and I am going to do my best and be there for them wen eva they may need my help.
Hazel, Nick and Laura im so sorry and im thinking of you guys xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxx

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Laura, St Paul's Cray says...
3:00pm Sat 20 Sep 08

ollie wrote:
Can anyone tell me if this 4 by 4 was light blue, as i was driving that way last night and i remember seeing a cyclist, (i think he had a high vis on) i also remember this 4 by 4 being righ up my backside!!! Am i thinking of the right one?
Thank you everyone for the support it means alot. and It means alot to both me and my brother and also my mum.
and Yes Ollie the police have told us that It MAY of been a blue 4x4 but I think you may have to go to the police with that information because there is a inquiry going on.

I agree with you all and thank you for the support, but it wont bring my dad back will it. I just hope that my dad gets justice and that the scums that done this to him get put away!!

R.I.P DAD Love you forever and always.
Laura
****

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Me, says...
3:09pm Sat 20 Sep 08

ollie wrote:
Can anyone tell me if this 4 by 4 was light blue, as i was driving that way last night and i remember seeing a cyclist, (i think he had a high vis on) i also remember this 4 by 4 being righ up my backside!!! Am i thinking of the right one?
Ollie you MUST contact the police.
Even if it turns out to be the wrong car but you cant take that chance.
Do it for this man's family

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Excalibur, Bromley says...
3:17pm Sat 20 Sep 08

Truly heartbreaking, I can't even begin to imagine how the familiy are feeling.

My condolences to all concerned - you have my total respect for your dignified and heartbreaking posts, which convey the impact of this tragedy far more powerfully than any newspaper report ever could.

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Horrified, Chislehurst says...
7:01pm Sat 20 Sep 08

I was devastated to read about this horrific incident. I was involved in a nasty accident at the top of Leesons Hill recently andthe other driver ran off and left us trapped in our car. What is wrong with these people? How would they feel if it was a member of their family? My thought are with all the family and friends of this innocent cyclist.

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Colleague, London says...
7:53pm Sat 20 Sep 08

Graham was a joy to work with, always a smile and a joke, nothing too much trouble. I'm deeply saddened by this tragedy. RIP, Graham, and sincere condolences to your family.

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Colleague, Cardiff says...
8:39pm Sat 20 Sep 08

Such a shock when we heard the tragic news of the loss of Graham. Graham was a true gentleman and I feel privileged to have known him for the last 4 years or so. Heartfelt condolences to Graham's family at this very difficult time. God bless you Graham, RIP.

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Work Buddy JL, 443-732 says...
5:10am Sun 21 Sep 08

This was my buddy for over 30 years yes he was a great person and a good friend and I am going to miss him so much no one can ever take his place. My heart goes out to Hazel,Nick and Laura, also to Isabell Hazel's mum.
God bless you Graham watch over us all.

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Work Colleagues, Essex says...
8:16am Sun 21 Sep 08

We have worked with Graham for over 10 years and cannot imagine the pain Hazel and the family are going through. Graham was a gentle giant who would do anything for anyone. He was devoted to his family and was extremely proud of them all. I can only hope that these scums have the maximum sentence possible - even this will not be enough!
Our deepest sympathy goes to the family on the loss of a wonderful husband and father.

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Work Colleague, London says...
10:01am Sun 21 Sep 08

Graham was a lovely man, full of laughter with never a bad word to say about anyone or anything. He will be deeply missed and my love goes out to his wife and children during these difficult times, he was so proud of you all. R.I.P Graham x

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Work colleague, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire says...
12:24pm Sun 21 Sep 08

Graham, I have known you for nearly 30 years and I cannot believe that you have gone. You weren't just a work colleague you were a friend. You would always go out of your way to help anyone. Work will never be the same again. My heart goes out to Hazel, Nick and Laura who have lost a wonderful husband/father. Graham RIP

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PS, Medway says...
1:01pm Sun 21 Sep 08

Graham. I just can't believe you've gone. You were the backbone of the office, a true gent and a great guy both in and outside work. We had some good laughs over the last 24 years and we’re really going to miss you. My heartfelt condolences to your Family - I know you’ll look after them from above. God bless.

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Janice Cullen, Newcatle upon tyne says...
6:09pm Sun 21 Sep 08

can i send my condolances to the family of Graham, such a tragic waste of life my heart goes out to you, R.I.P Graham, i hope these mindless people that did this and could maybe have saved him had they stopped to help him get what they deserve !!!

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Saddened, says...
6:18pm Sun 21 Sep 08

It is truly heartbreaking how a life can end so quickly, how a family can be shattered and changed in an evening.
Just reading the comments on here goes to show that it is also so much widder than just the immediate family who have been effected, friends and colleague have also been left devastated.
There is also another family who's lifes will never been the same again, the drivers family are innocent in all this, what he has done will have broken his family too.
My thoughts are with everybody involved in this.


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Eve, Eltham says...
7:42pm Sun 21 Sep 08

I will never forget the moment my mum told me about Graham. In just a few seconds Graham had his life taken and as his wife's family, all we can do is try to help Hazel, Nick, Laura and Isabel, on what is going to be a long and painful journey. For those who committed this act, may Thursday September 18th, 2008, 8.30pm haunt you as the day you not only destroyed Graham Thwaites' life but that of his wife and children and all the plans they had for the future. Even the lives of those that knew and worked with Graham will never be quite the same. May it be the day you remember that it was you who drove away from a husband, a dad, a son-in-law and a good friend to so many, who you knew to be badly injured and needing help. I pray that the law will ensure that you get the full penalty for your inhumane and cowardly actions that night.

You'll always be a part of our lives Graham - till we meet again. Cousin Arn, Steve, Carole, Karen, Ian, Kirsty, Jon, Gene and kids ****

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Work Colleague NR, Chelmsford says...
7:25am Mon 22 Sep 08

Graham was a wonderful person and friend;he was always so kind and considerate and I am going to miss so much our chats on our mutual interests. I know his passing will leave a huge void in our lives and in the hearts of all those that loved him. My deepest sympathy to all of Graham's family, he was a true Gentleman.

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work colleague, VR cardiff, Cardiff says...
9:39am Mon 22 Sep 08

My heart goes out to Graham's family. He was a great guy who would go out of his way to help you. He always had a good word to say about everyone and a ready smile and cheeky laugh. He will be sorely missed by all his colleagues so it is almost unimaginable what his family must be going through.
RIP Graham, you will always be with us.

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Charlotte, Orpington says...
11:21am Mon 22 Sep 08

I could repeat everything thats been said on here, but it won't bring back graham. You could put these lowlifes away for life but in the end it won't return a loving husband and father.
My heart goes out to the thwaites family,such genuinely, lovely people. It shouldn't of happened to them. It is an awful shock to everyone that knew the family well.They are simply amazing and I’m certain they will continue to be. I would like to show these men this site, I would like to show this scum his grieving family who continue to remain strong.
Rest in peace graham, you shall never be forgottenxxx

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Matt (Nephew), wisbech says...
11:47am Mon 22 Sep 08

I hope you sumbags get locked away forever! i hope uncle graham gets justice our heart goes out to my aunty Hazel, Nanny, and cousins Nicky and laura R.I.P Uncle Graham love you always love Matt, Alex, Philip and Gemma ****

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Barry Wilbourn, Essex says...
12:10pm Mon 22 Sep 08

On behalf of my father Vic, my brother Steven, myself and the rest of the Wilbourn family, I would like to add our condolences at Graham's tragic and unnecessary passing.
Graham was a truly kind, gentle and generous man who will be missed by all.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Hazel, Nick and Laura as well as to his other relatives, friends and colleagues at this particularly distressing time.


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Ray ( phils best mate ), orpington says...
3:53pm Mon 22 Sep 08

Seeing first hand how this tragic and reckless act has affected Grahams whole family,friends, work collegues and the community. I hope the scum who done this get the maximum sentence possible. This is where a life sentence should mean life as they have destroyed the lives of so many good caring people that are close to me and my family.
Our thoughts are with you and all your family.
all our love Ray, Emma, Elle and the whole White family.

Graham may you R.I.P and may God watch over you and all your family. xxx

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a*, Essex. says...
7:04pm Mon 22 Sep 08

Graham was one of my mum's closest friends, and I've know him for as long as I can remember. Every time I rung the work phone to speak to mum and he answered, he always asked how I was, what I'd been up to, etc. On the occasions I was in their office, he always took time to come and have a chat, as if we were the best of friends. I will never forget my mum's face when she come of the phone after hearing what happened, and I hope that karma serves its justice, and the people who took him from his family, friends, and anyone else, read this, and realise just what they've done.. I'd hate to be them.

RIP Graham. True Gent.

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sarah, charlton says...
9:15pm Mon 22 Sep 08

Firstly i would like to send my sincere condolencies to all of Grahams family and friends i can only imagine the pain you are all experiencing. People are talking about speed cameras being put in place, however, i feel that more live cameras should be put in place to check for reckless driving. I am a driver with a young child who is fed up with other peoples bad and reckless driving. Now days every time I leave the house I am terrified of other peoples bad driving whether I am walking or driving as more and more we hear of decent peoples lives being taken away because of it. Only this being suggested will get do gooder human rights activists on their high horses saying you cant do that. Well I dont mind I have nothing to hide when I am on the road. Just think they could target all car insurance and tax avoiders with them too doing us all a favour. So lets fight for more live cameras that will actualy do something for society rather than speed cameras just making money for the local council/government.O

nce again my love and best wishes for Grahams family.Sarah x

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Local resident, Chislehurst says...
1:54pm Tue 23 Sep 08

I have read of Graham Thwaites' tragic accident and my thoughts and prayers go out to all his family. PLease accept my condolences.

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Pete Turner, Bexley says...
7:51pm Tue 23 Sep 08

Ive just heard this tragic news.
I worked with Graham in Head Office in the 90`s.What a great guy.Why does it always happen to the good ones??
If anyone has details of Graham`s funeral I would be very greatful.
My thoughts are with Graham`s family at the very sad time.

I`m gutted

Pete T

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chrissy, Cornwall says...
4:06pm Wed 24 Sep 08

I have just heard the news and am devastated..
I was going to see Graham in October at a family get together..now we are grieving for a family member.

My thoughts are for the rest of the Family..
RIP Graham

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june, erith says...
5:45pm Wed 24 Sep 08

Heartaches in this world are many, But to lose a loved one is worse than any. Your love for them will alway's keep, It will not fade it lies to deep. Sending you my love. x x r.i.p graham x

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Richard - Petts Wood Station cyclist, Petts Wood says...
1:53pm Thu 25 Sep 08

To Mrs Thwaites, Nick, Laura and all the family and friends, my sincere condolences to you. You don't know me, but I travelled with Graham on the train from London to Petts Wood and chatted to him most nights as we collected our bikes from Petts Wood station bike rack, with me heading down the side of Dunstonians to cross over the railway, and Graham heading off to St. Paul's Cray with his Hi-viz jacket, and lights flashing. Even after I moved to Petts Wood so no longer cycled, we still chatted regularly. I was extremely saddened to see the news about Graham after reading the Newsshopper as he was such a kind and friendly man, always speaking highly of his family and looking forward to his time with you. Please be comforted that there are people that you have never met, but that are thinking of you all, with their own fond memories of Graham. I feel priviledged to have known Graham.

Please accept my condolences at this sad time.
Richard.

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Travis, catford says...
9:22am Fri 26 Sep 08

Worried wrote:
Yet another fatality involving a 4x4. "B***er everyone else I've got a big jeep so sod everyone else"
You are a numpty - do you think it would have made much difference if this idiot was driving anything else THE OTHER CAR WAS A VAUXHALL VECTRA _ LETS VILLIFY ALL DRIVERS OF VAUXHALLS SHAL WE ?

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Joss, Bromley says...
2:39pm Fri 26 Sep 08

I read the full version in your paper. You said the accident happened less than a kilometre from the victim's house. Since when was it acceptable to refer in a British newspaper to "a kilometre"? This is a foreign measurement. You could easily have said half a mile. Shame on you!

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Joe, Bromley says...
3:22pm Fri 26 Sep 08

Joss wrote:
I read the full version in your paper. You said the accident happened less than a kilometre from the victim's house. Since when was it acceptable to refer in a British newspaper to "a kilometre"? This is a foreign measurement. You could easily have said half a mile. Shame on you!
Pratt!

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anon s.p.c, says...
9:14pm Sat 27 Sep 08

my thoughts are with grahams family and friends, what an awful tradgedy.

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anom, kent says...
9:22pm Sat 27 Sep 08

shows what a selfish person did this to drive off and leave him, if the driver had stopped his still got to live with this for the rest of his life knowing his got blood on his hands, but not stopping shows guilt, what was he hiding? stop at random and drug test! take there licences away forever, shouldnt b allowed to drive again,

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Tracy, Beckenham says...
12:44pm Mon 29 Sep 08

pedestrian wrote:
Perhaps they should be allowed to cycle on the pavements to be safe there never seems to be many people walking these days esp at that time of the evening. My heart really goes out to his family. There are too many 'jumped up' motorists whose mentality is nil and think driving is just an extention of Mario Cart!
No, NOT on the pavement - that is illegal, and dangerous to pedestrians!!

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Ian "The Panda", Friend and colleague for 30 years says...
12:06pm Tue 30 Sep 08

Graham has been a friend and colleague of mine for nearly thirty years. Many of you have read the comments above, and they truly reflect the way his many friends feel about Graham. He really was a gentle giant, a family man and all round great guy, fun to be with, and a great mate.
Sadly he is no longer with us, but he has touched the lives of so many people. We will not forget him, and he will always be with us.

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orpington, orpington says...
2:31pm Tue 30 Sep 08

I read the full version in your paper. You said the accident happened less than a kilometre from the victim's house. Since when was it acceptable to refer in a British newspaper to "a kilometre"? This is a foreign measurement. You could easily have said half a mile. Shame on you!


I can't believe you wrote that what an idiot you are!

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Test, here says...
4:45pm Wed 1 Oct 08


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Ted Prangnell, Ashford says...
5:43pm Fri 3 Oct 08

Another tragedy. Cyclists are 10 times more likely to be killed in this ountry compared with Scandinavia, Germany, Holland, etc, even though far fewer cycle here. We badly need a safe cycling environment.

Kilometers:
The metric system was officially adopted byn the UK in 1969, however, Litres, and cubic centimetres have been used in the motor industry for more or less since cars were invented. i.e.: 500cc Norton m/C; 3½ litre Bently etc.

Fahrenheit was not very British, nor was 'Avoir du Pois'.

The metric system is essential for use with Computers, and for world trade.

Ted Prangnell member of 'RoadPeace', Cyclists' Touring Club, and 'Living Streets'.

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simon, erith says...
12:43pm Sun 5 Oct 08

talking to my father in law last night who lives in orpingtion i have found out this happens a lot. the reason we ride on the pavements is becuase there are so many fruitcakes on the road. and if you look they are now putting cycle lanes on the pavements for that reason the person who did this should have bookm thrown at him

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Comments are closed on this article.

Flowers at the scene of the accident on Leesons Hill Highfield Road was behind a police cordon for most of the night

Flowers at the scene of the accident on Leesons Hill

Highfield Road was behind a police cordon for most of the night



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