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Sittingbourne man's bail extended after Wormshill cyclist killed in crash near village

11:44, 17 November 2022

updated: 11:44, 17 November 2022

A man arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after a cyclist was knocked off his bike and killed near a village has had his bail extended.

David Prentice, 71, was killed close to his home in The Street, Wormshill, near Sittingbourne, at around 5pm on October 18.

Cyclist David Prentice died after being hit by a car in Wormshill near Sittingbourne
Cyclist David Prentice died after being hit by a car in Wormshill near Sittingbourne

Two men, aged 35 and 55, both from Sittingbourne, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after the former farmer's body was found after villagers spent hours looking for him.

Both were then bailed to return to the police station today ).

Now, police have confirmed the 35-year-old has had his bail extended until Friday, January 6.

The other man has been released without charge.

An inquest earlier this month revealed the Cambridge-educated cyclist died after suffering traumatic injuries to his head, torso and right leg.

Floral tributes in The Street, Wormshill, for David Prentice. Picture: Megan Carr
Floral tributes in The Street, Wormshill, for David Prentice. Picture: Megan Carr

It revealed the vehicle that hit him was left abandoned in a field after the incident.

Following his death, sister Diana Parker thanked everyone for their tributes.

She said: “Our family appreciate the huge support, affection and condolences from everyone.”

One villager, who was a friend and neighbour of Mr Prentice and helped in the search for his body, said: “It’s a tragedy. The car literally went through the hedge but jumping the hedge and landed on four wheels the other side.

“One of the villagers saw just after it happened but were unaware exactly what had happened and just saw the car in the field.

Wormshill village was devastated by the loss of former farmer Mr Prentice. Picture: Megan Carr
Wormshill village was devastated by the loss of former farmer Mr Prentice. Picture: Megan Carr

“We didn’t find David until about 8pm, because he was a creature of absolute habit and went for bike rides in the morning and late afternoon. He did it religiously every day.

“So when he didn’t come home we were concerned and myself and some others went out to try and find him.”

Officers from the police’s serious collision investigation unit are appealing for CCTV or dashcam footage, taken in the Wormshill area and surrounding villages, which might show the movements of the car or bicycle around the time of the collision.

Witnesses can also call the SCIU appeal line 01622 798538, quoting reference AH/DH/116/22.

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