Cyclist fights for life after horror smash

CRASH scene . . . the cyclist’s bike and the Peugeot after the accident in Delph

A CYCLIST is fighting for his life in hospital after a collision with a car in Delph.

It was one of two accidents that forced road closures yesterday, bringing traffic to a standstill in Saddleworth.

The cyclist, a man in his late 30s, was riding along Huddersfield Road at around 10.15am when he collided with the blue Peugeot 207 near the junction with Millgate.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area as emergency services closed off the Huddersfield Road junction with Delph New Road to rescue the injured rider.

The damaged bike lay in front of the car’s bumper as paramedics tended to the man.

The cyclist suffered severe head injuries and was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital. He remained in a critical condition this morning.

Commuters were also forced to find alternative routes earlier in that morning as a dramatic car crash forced Holmfirth Road (A635) to be cordoned off.

Police officers found two cars in a ditch on the side of the steep road when they were called just after 7.15am. Ambulances and fire engines attended the scene where a blue Astra and black Jaguar had collided.

The driver of the Jaguar was able to get out of his car, while firefighters worked to cut the trapped driver free from the Astra. He was taken to hospital by ambulance but had escaped with only minor injuries.

Both roads were reopened yesterday. Anyone witnessing the cyclist collision in Delph should call the road policing unit on 0161-856 8809.