Police seek footage after fatal cyclist crash in Port Hills

Police are searching for the driver of a small white hatchback who may have information regarding a fatal crash on Dyers Pass Rd. The driver was travelling south towards Governors Bay at the time of the incident and was not directly involved in the collision.

Michael James Hancock, a 79-year-old Christchurch cyclist, died at the scene on Friday morning. Emergency services were notified of the crash on the Governors Bay side of the hill at approximately 10.16am or 10.20am.

Witness Ralph Freeman observed a white car and a second car travelling downhill in the opposite direction. The white car stopped suddenly, causing the following vehicle to brake hard, which resulted in the cyclist hitting the back of the second car.

Authorities are appealing for any CCTV or dashcam footage from the Dyers Pass Rd area recorded on Friday morning. Anyone with information can contact police online or by calling 105 using file number 261009/4488.

How it developed

• Tue 13 Oct, 9:20amPolice confirmed the driver of the white hatchback was not directly involved in the crash but may have information

Where reports differ

• Reports vary on the exact time emergency services were notified, citing 10.16am or 10.20am

Compiled from reports by The Press, 1News, NZ Herald, Stuff and Otago Daily Times.