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Two cyclists who died at scene of Purley collision worked for Reading Borough Council





One of the two cyclists has been named locally as 30-year-old John Morland, from Tilehurst a father of two.
It is believed the other cyclist, aged 39, from Reading, was a father of five, although this has yet to be confirmed, along with his identity.
Reading Borough Council has confirmed both men were council employees.
Council spokesman Oscar Mortali said: “It is with great sadness that news of the tragic death of two council employees reached us this morning. At this stage the council has been asked by the police not to release the names of our colleagues until the formal identification process is complete. The thoughts of everyone at Reading Borough Council are obviously with their families at this sad time.”
Police were called shortly before 9pm yesterday (Thursday) to a fear for welfare incident at an address in Purley Rise, where a black BMW convertible was seen by police.
The BMW, which was travelling on the A329 Purley Rise, collided with the two cyclists, who both died at the scene.
The driver of the BMW, a 31-year-old man from Purley, sustained minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading.
He was released from hospital and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody.
A police vehicle in the vicinity of the collision at the time, did not collide with any vehicles.
TVP have also referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
Acting Chief Constable (ACC) Richard Bennett said: "There is a significant amount of work ongoing with regards to the investigation and so it is difficult to give any further details at the moment. Our thoughts and sympathies at this time are with the two families who have been left absolutely devastated by the loss of their loved ones."
Purley parish councillor, Bill Ayling, said today the village was he said: “Absolutely shocked”:
The A329 Purley Rise, between the junctions of Westbury Lane and Sherwood Rise, was closed whilst police examined the scene, but reopened at around 7am today (Friday).
Anybody with any information about the collision, or who witnessed the black BMW convertible travelling shortly before the collision, should contact police on the non emergency telephone number, 101.
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously, telephone 0800 555 111.



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