The family of a Glasgow man who died after he was struck by a car later discovered on fire in Leicestershire have paid tribute to a “loving son, brother, uncle and friend”.
Anthony Smith, from Maryhill, was airlifted to hospital following the collision with a vehicle while cycling in the Ling Road area of Loughborough on Friday evening, but passed away a short time later.
Floral tributes and a large saltire bearing messages of condolence have been left nearby in honour of the 47-year-old, who was a support worker for a drug rehabilitation service in the town.
His sister, Annemarie, 42, described Anthony – due to turn 48 on July 20 – as a man “with the kindest and biggest heart”.
“We are all in shock,” she told STV News.
“He was a beloved member of the family and a friend with the kindest and biggest heart.
“He has been taken far too soon.”
The car thought to have struck Mr Smith, a silver Audi S3, was found ablaze around a mile away near Loughborough’s Queen’s Park.
Paramedics from the East Midlands Ambulance Service and the local air ambulance both responded to the incident.
A 29-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, while two others, a man aged 40 and a woman, aged 31, were also detained on suspicion of assisting an offender.
The car has since been recovered by officers, Leicestershire Police confirmed.
The 29-year-old was later released on police bail pending further enquiries, while the two arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released under investigation.
Investigators have launched an appeal for information and urged anyone who believes they may have witnessed the crash to contact them.
“Officers would like to thank those who have already been in touch with information however we are still continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision,” the force said in a statement.
“We are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam from the area at that time, or anyone who saw the silver Audi S3 before or following the collision.
“If you have any information that can help our investigation, please get in touch on 101 quoting incident 672 of July 7.”
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