A CYCLIST has been taken to hospital with potentially life-changing injuries following a collision with a lorry in Lechlade town centre.

The 52-year-old woman, from the town, was struck by a HGV outside L'Artigiano Ristorante on High Street at around 8.45am today (September 7).

Numerous officers, including those from the Police Collision Investigation Unit, were on the scene until after 1pm, with several diversions in place.

The Hanson Heidelberg Cement Group lorry was moved to the kerb outside the Old Bell Antiques shop following the crash, before a recovery vehicle came to take it away at around 1.30pm.

Speaking at the scene, PC Stuart Kenny, of Gloucestershire Tri-Force Road Policing Unit, said: “A lady on a pedal cycle has been in a collision with a tipper lorry. Our collision investigation team are thoroughly investigating the incident.”

Also at the scene, PC Tim Griffiths said the lorry was travelling from Faringdon to Fairford prior to the accident.

He said the cyclist was taken by Wiltshire Air Ambulance to South Meade Hospital.

“Her injuries are not life threatening but they are serious and potentially what we describe as life changing.”

He said: “She was given a unit of blood by the air ambulance at the scene and she was provided critical care by paramedics before she was taken to South Meade to determine her injuries.”

PC Griffiths said the lorry driver was a 49-year-old man from the Oxfordshire area.

He said: “At the present moment in time, no one has been arrested.

“The driver of the lorry has provided his account at the scene. He was routinely breath tested which came back negative and he was given a drugs wipe which was negative as well.

“We will interview him once we have gone over witness statements and a report from the investigator.”

PC Griffiths said the woman’s family were informed shortly afterward the incident and have since gone to the hospital to be with her.

“I would just like to thank the people in the various cafes and that, they have been coming out with tea and coffee, and it’s been really appreciated.

“Obviously it’s been quite difficult for everyone as the roads have been closed,” he added.