A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by driving without due care and attention after a fatal road accident in Osmaston Road, Derby.
The incident - believed to involve a HGV but police said it was an "unknown vehicle" - happened close to the junction with Shaftesbury Street just before 1pm yesterday.
A male cyclist, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police closed the road while they carried out their investigations. It was reopened at 5pm.
Fay Walton, 28, owns a shop near to where it happened. She said: "This is the third accident I have seen on the road in the last six months.
It's very shocking to hear of the death. I'm a cyclist myself and it's a worrying situation.
"The traffic had been very bad, but at around 5pm it had improved."
There were reports that up to ten police cars attended the scene, together with an ambulance.
A number of people stood watching the scene from the door to their homes.
Officers in unmarked cars also attended while the road closure was in place.
The incident caused major traffic problems in and out of the city, as Osmaston Road had become a diversion route following the long-term closure of London Road while bridge works are carried out. A diversion was put in place along Ascot Drive and through Pride Park.
Resident Jane Prjanikov, of Ivy Square, said: "I heard and then saw a lot of police activity which was quite alarming. I was quite shocked to see what was happening. You never expect anything like this. I'd like to give my condolences to his family."
Martin Cooper, 21, who lives in Horton Street, off Osmaston Road, said: "I hope he rests in peace. I've lived here all my life and this is the saddest thing I have seen on the road. I never want to see this happen again. My thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time."
Craig Goodband, 31, of Dexter Street, was also shocked. He said: "I was woken up by all of the commotion and the police cars that came past. It's very bad news. It's saddened me and I'd like to say 'God bless'. I really do not like to see things like this happen."
Philip Winfield, 28, of Allenton works on Osmaston Road and said he was alarmed at the amount of police in the area.
He said: "There was a heavy presence with around ten officers at one point. It definitely surprised me and it was a lot of commotion to see. I'd never seen it for a road accident before. There are quite a few cyclists around here but I do not know what they can do to make the area safer for them."
A spokesman for Derbyshire police said: "Police are requesting anyone who witnessed this collision or can recall seeing the pedal cyclist in that vicinity at that time, travelling towards the city centre, to contact 101."