POLICE have released one of two people arrested following the death of a cyclist in a late-night hit-and-run crash.

A 30-year-old Poole man, named yesterday as Christopher Gibbs, died on the southbound carriageway of the A338 Spur Road on Tuesday night.

His family have paid tribute to the "well-loved" man.

Officers believe his bike was involved in a collision with a white Mercedes panel van, later found abandoned on the Nursling Industrial Estate in Southampton.

Now they have appealed for information from the public, including anyone who has any dashcam footage.

Police were called to the Spur Road, about a mile from the Ashley Heath roundabout, at 10.39pm.

The cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene and the coroner notified. The man’s next of kin have been informed.

A road closure was put in place between the Ashley Heath roundabout and the Blackwater junction to allow emergency services to deal with the incident.

A search of the area was carried out and a white van suspected to be involved was located in Southampton, just off the M27 in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

At lunchtime on Wednesday, police confirmed a man and woman, both from Southampton, were arrested in connection with the incident.

A 57-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision. He is still helping officers with their enquiries.

A 57-year-old woman, also from Southampton, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released under investigation.

Inspector Matt Butler, of the Dorset Police traffic unit, said: “A full investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances of how the cyclist sustained fatal injuries.

“I am keen to hear from motorists who were travelling from Verwood toward the A31 or southbound on the A338 between 9.30pm and 10.40pm and may have seen a cyclist. I would also request anyone who may have dashcam footage in their vehicles to please contact us.”

Cycling coach, Jason Falconer has spoken out about the accident.

He said: “I don’t know the full details but it is tragic that the cyclist was not seen. Most cyclists these days are lit up like Christmas trees.”

Mr Falconer said he does not ride on dual carriageways unless he cannot avoid them “by choice” but said cyclists are entitled to use roads and care should be taken by all road users.

Call Dorset Police on 101 quoting reference 3:518, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.