THE 80-year-old cyclist who collided with a bus on Thursday afternoon remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The cyclist was involved in a crash with a Thamesdown Transport bus in Cricklade Road and police say he remains in a critical condition in hospital and is undergoing treatment.

He had been travelling south along Cricklade Road, just after the junction for Liddington Street, at 12.20pm yesterday.

Police said as he attempted to turn right he collided with the Thamesdown Transport bus behind him.

The bus was in service, with passengers on board.

Eyewitnesses said the cyclist had been indicating with his arm to turn right and, while making the turn, came into collision with the bus, which had also been manoeuvering.

The local man, who was wearing a helmet, fell under the bus wheels and suffered severe head injuries.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance flew him to the major trauma centre at Southmead Hospital, Bristol in 12 minutes after he was anaesthetised at the scene.

He remains in a critical condition Collision investigators have renewed their appeal for witnesses following the incident, as several other vehicles and pedestrians were in the area at the time, as well as the bus passengers.

A spokesman for Thamesdown Transport said: “A bus has been involved in an accident on Cricklade Road. Whilst investigations continue we are unable to comment further.

“Our thoughts are with the cyclist and all those involved.”

PC Andy Stanley, of the Tri-Force roads policing team: “We received reports of a two vehicle serious injury collision on Cricklade Road at 12.23pm on Thursday which involved a pedal cycle and a single decker bus.

“The pedal cycle had been travelling south along Cricklade Road from the direction of Clive Parade.

“At this time it is believed that the cyclist was intending to turn right across Cricklade Road, when it was in collision with the single decker bus.

“The driver of the pedal cycle, an 80-year-old local man, suffered serious head injuries and was airlifted to Southmead Hospital.

“We would like to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the collision to contact either myself, PC 1150, or Sgt Steve Love, on non-emergency number 101.”

Information can also be left with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.