POLICE have today launched an appeal for witnesses after a cyclist was killed on the A12.The latest death brings the number of fatalities on Suffolk roads to eight so far this year.

POLICE have today launched an appeal for witnesses after a cyclist was killed on the A12.

The latest death brings the number of fatalities on Suffolk roads to eight so far this year.

A cyclist, believed to be a man in his 60s, died on the A12 after being in collision with a lorry at about 6.45pm yesterday.

The crash happened on the southbound carriageway just before the B1070 junction to East Bergholt - the same stretch of road where Essex police officer Sergeant Bob Walsham lost his life on January 29.

Police said the victim had suffered significant head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the 7.5 tonne lorry was uninjured. The road was closed until 10.15pm while specialist collision experts examined the scene.

Diversions were put in place. The next of kin have now been informed and police were expected to name the victim today.

A spokeswoman from road safety charity Brake said: “All road safety is about different road users being responsible towards one another.

“Vulnerable road users like cyclists need to help road users out by making sure they are wearing high visibility clothing, have fully functioning legal lights on their bike and acting responsibly.

“Other vehicles need to be aware of cyclists and other vulnerable road users, like horse riders, and give them a wide berth. It is about creating respect between road users.”

Officers have launched an appeal for witnesses to the crash.

Anyone with information about it should contact Pc Andy Masterson on 01473 613500.

Did you know the cyclist and want to pay tribute to him? Call the newsdesk on 01473 324788, write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.

Road victims total rises - see page six.