THE distraught family of a teenage cyclist who died after being in collision with a Volvo car on Clock Face Road, Clock Face, are urging witnesses to contact the police. Sixteen-year-old Alexander Byrne of Lynton Grove, Sutton, was on his way to work as an apprentice joiner when the accident happened at about 7.20am on Wednesday, November 10.

The accident comes amid a spate of tragedies involving cyclists, including a double fatality involving two veteran riders near Chester.

The former St Cuthbert's High pupil suffered severe head injuries and was taken to Whiston Hospital but he never regained consciousness and died on Thursday, November 11.

Alexander's parents, Alec and Pauline, who have two other children, 22-year-old Stephen and Annemarie (19) are still trying to come to terms with their loss.

Pauline told the Star: "He was known to everyone as 'Bernie' and was recognised everywhere he went because he was always smiling and nearly always wore a baseball cap. He was popular with everyone and our phone has literally not stopped ringing for days with people paying their respects."

Alec said: "He was sports-mad. We used to go shooting and fishing with our Stephen. He was a big Manchester Unitedsupporter and a Saints fan."

Pauline added: "It still hasn't really sunk in that Alec has died but it will do and then we will really want to know what happened.

"Alec had been riding a bike for years and he knew how to stay safe so I would like to know how this has happened. Apparently, there were a number of people in the area who saw the accident, including a woman who may have been walking her dog or standing by a bus stop.

"A lot of people went to help Alec and our thanks go out to everyone including staff at Whiston Hospital who did all they could. But I am urging anyone who saw the accident to contact the police."

An inquest was opened into Alexander's death on Friday, November 12, at St Helens Hospital, and adjourned.

Alexander's funeral is being held at noon today (Thursday, November 18) at St Theresa's Church in Gartons Lane, Sutton Manor, followed by burial at St Helens Cemetery.

The driver of the Volvo, believed to be from the Thatto Heath area, is currently waiting to be interviewed by the police. Anyone who witnessed the accident is urged to to contact Constable Hayes at the Traffic Department on 0151 777 6730.

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