POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 77-year-old male cyclist died after a road traffic accident with a van close to the Bulkington crossroads between Seend and Worton.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, following the collision with a small grey Vauxhall Combo van. The van driver was uninjured.

The accident happened at 2.34pm on Monday and closed the unclassified road for around five hours while police investigated.

It is a popular route with local cyclists and drivers travelling between Seend and Salisbury.

A local farmworker, who did not wish to be named, said: “I was working in the fields, helping to cut silage, and got caught up in the traffic after it happened.

“I went down to see if I could help but there were people there far more highly qualified than me, so I helped the police to divert the traffic.”

A local club cyclist, Allan Oakman, 78, of Westbury Wheelers, said the road is popular with cyclists, being part of what they call the Lower Circuit between Westbury and Seend.

Many cyclists coming through Worton turn left at the Bulkington crossroads towards Keevil and Steeple Ashton.

Mr Oakman, of Fairwood Road, Dilton Marsh, said: “The road is a popular with cyclists because we tend to stick to the lanes rather than the main roads.”

Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with any information should contact PC 2767 Cox at Wiltshire Police Triforce Operations in Devizes on 101.

Alternatively, they should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or email 2767@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk