Family’s heartbreaking plea over hospital worker killed by hit-and-run cyclist

Pensioner had been helping people battling Covid
Head injuries: Peter McCombie died eight days after the collision
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The family of a hospital worker killed by a hit-and-run cyclist appealed today for the suspect to “do the right thing” and hand himself in to the police.

HR administrator Peter McCombie, 72, was walking home from the Royal London in east London on July 3 when he was struck just after 5pm.

The cyclist did not stop at the scene in Bow Road and abandoned the bike, which has yet to be located. Mr McCombie, of Bow, died in hospital from serious head injuries eight days later.

Colleagues said today he had continued to work despite passing retirement age because he wanted to help the health service under pressure during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This image shows the cyclist being sought by police
Metropolitan Police

His sister Christine said: “It is heard to put into words the effect losing Peter has had on our family. It is incredibly difficult to process his death, especially in these circumstances when we know that the person involved has not come forward.

“I would ask the cyclist, personally, please speak to police. Please do the right thing, for Peter and our family. In our position I know you would want the same.”

CCTV of the cyclist being sought by police

Police have released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the death.

Detective Inspector Julie Trodden said: “From photos we can see he abandoned his cycle and then ran off.

“If anyone knows the location of this bike please tell us. Any information you can give, even if it is just the street where you saw him, could be crucial.

“I am also asking anyone who witnessed this collision, or the events immediately prior to and after the collision to contact the police.

“Finally, I continue to appeal directly to the cyclist involved — please come forward to assist this investigation but, more importantly, to provide answers to the victim’s family.”

Andy Vince, of Barts Health NHS Trust said: “Peter had worked for us since May 2003 and was a well-loved member of the team, with many stories to share.

“It’s fair to say his work was his life and even during this pandemic, when he could have chosen to stop and stay at home, he continued to come in every day and make sure that he and the team continued to deliver.”

Any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage is asked to call police on 020 8597 4874 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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