A cyclist has been seriously hurt in a ‘hit-and-run robbery’ in Swindon today (Thursday).
Emergency services, including Wiltshire Air Ambulance, were called to reports of a road traffic collision in Meadowcroft, near Beechcroft Road, at around 1.30pm.
At the scene, a man – who had been riding an electric bike – was found with significant injuries. The casualty was airlifted to the Major Trauma Centre at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
A car is believed to have struck the victim before fleeing the scene. The electric bike was also taken.
Officers conducted an urgent area search in a bid to locate the suspects involved. The National Police Air Service helicopter and a dog unit were called upon to assist.
Police cordoned off a section of road between Beechcroft Road and Burns Way, with the focus being on a car park at the rear of The Co-operative Food store.
Specialist traffic officers managed the scene, marking out scratches along the pavement and other nearby areas – including several on a small patch of grass.
A piece of plastic, believed to be from the suspect vehicle involved, was placed into an evidence bag as two detectives from Swindon CID attended the incident.
Two men, aged 19 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of robbery shortly after the violent robbery. They are currently in custody at Gablecross for questioning.
Wiltshire Police say the victim is being treated for injuries described as “potentially life changing”.
Witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to contact the force on 101 quoting log 54230028593.
Rumours circulating online suggest the man was stabbed during a disorder, however, this is not the case.
