16-year-old cyclist is killed in Christmas Eve collision

TWO cyclists - one a 16-year-old girl - died in accidents on Christmas Eve, police said today.

Natalie Lee and a 24-year-old friend were riding on the same bicycle in Dagenham when they were hit by a black 4X4 Jeep at about 4.45pm in Rainham Road North, Dagenham.

The two friends were knocked to the ground and Natalie was then struck by a Ford Fiesta car which was behind the Jeep.

Natalie, from Dagenham, died of head injuries shortly after her arrival in hospital. Her friend suffered minor injuries. In a separate accident Malcolm Boswell, 66, died after he was knocked off his bike in a hit-and-run collision in Enfield involving a blue Land Rover Discovery.

Mr Boswell was cycling towards his home in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, when he was hit.

A 69-year-old man was later arrested in Enfield on suspicion of failing to stop after a collision. Police seized a 4x4 Discovery and the man was bailed pending further inquiries.

Scotland Yard today appealed for any witnesses to either of the accidents to contact the Collision Investigation Unit at Chadwell Heath Traffic Garage on 020 8597 4874.