A young woman who died while riding an e-bike has been named as police continue to investigate the fatal hit-and-run. Alana Armstrong passed away after being knocked off the bike.
The 25-year-old died at the scene of the collision, which involved her e-bike and a dark coloured 4×4. Police officers are now investigating the crash, which is believed to have involved a Land Rover Discovery.
The tragic young mum leaves behind a six-year-old son, following Tuesday night’s incident, which took place in Batley Lane, Pleasley, Derbyshire, The Mirror reports. The force said the vehicle had followed two e-bikes before ramming one of the bikes causing the rider and pillion to fall off.
The car then drove off from the scene without stopping. A murder investigation has now been launched, the police added.
Derbyshire Police said in a statement: “The 25-year-old woman who was riding pillion on the bike, was pronounced dead at the scene. Our thoughts are with her family, who are being supported by specialist officers.”
The rider of the bike, a man in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. One local resident, who did not want to be named, said: “Police have been knocking on doors asking for doorbell footage of the Land Rover.
“The couple lived in Tibshelf and had been together about three years. We’ve been told the boyfriend Jordan is in a bad way in hospital too. But we’ve no idea what happened or what they were doing out there. It’s really sad what’s happened.”
Pals paid tribute on social media with one writing: “Absolutely heartbreaking when this happens to people you know. Such a lovely couple, such a sad thing to happen. Come on Jord, you got this my little friend, sorry for your loss mate, always here.”
Police are appealing for information about the incident. The spokesman said: “We want to hear from anyone who saw a dark coloured Land Rover Discovery, believed to be manufactured between 2004 and 2009 in and around the Pleasley area prior to 8pm.
“The vehicle was last seen on Rowthorne Lane where it turned right onto the A617 towards New Houghton.”
Two people, a man and a woman both in their 30s from the Skegby area of Nottinghamshire, have been arrested in connection with the incident. They were released without charge.
DCI Claudia Musson, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is an understandably shocking incident that has left a family grieving the loss of a young woman. A team of detectives have been working non-stop since the incident took place and have generated significant lines of enquiry.
“We are, however, wanting to hear from anyone who has any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to help us bring those responsible to justice. Of particular interest is anyone with information about a dark coloured Land Rover Discovery. It may be that you saw it in the area around the time of the incident.
“Or you have seen a vehicle matching this description that may have sustained damage or been recently repaired.”
Chief Superintendent Dave Kirby, said: “Alana was just 25 – and a mum to a six-year-old boy. Her little boy, along with her wider family, will never get the chance to see her again, hug her again, spend Christmas together, or celebrate all those milestones. My thoughts, as well as those of the whole force and community, are with them at this time.
“The Land Rover Discovery that rammed the e-bike had pursued two bikes through the village – and drove off up Batley Lane – onto Rowthorne Lane. The last known sighting of it was at this junction, turning right onto the A617 towards New Houghton.
“Since Tuesday a team of detectives have been working non-stop, searching the site where Alana was killed, conducting house-to-house enquiries, and scouring CCTV in the area. Two people who were arrested in connection with the incident have now been released without charge – and have been discounted from our investigation.
“We have already received a significant amount of information from the public and I want to thank everyone who has come forward already to help our investigation. However, I know that there is more information out – and there are people who know who the person responsible is.
“Specifically, we know that there were two people in the Land Rover Discovery, that was manufactured between 2004 and 2009, that night – a man driving the vehicle and woman in the passenger seat.”
Talking about Alana, Mr Kirby added: “As an officer, as a member of the local community, and as a father, I am devastated for her little boy, her family, and her friends. We will do all we can to find those responsible.”
Anyone with information on the incident has been urged to contact Derbyshire Police with reference 24*705090 through their incident room, their website, Facebook, X or by calling 101. You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.
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