A cyclist has been seriously injured after a man is said to have leaned out of a BMW’s window and pushed him off his bike.

The cyclist was travelling north on the A1068 in Ashington, Northumberland, towards Linton, when a red BMW drove alongside him on Tuesday (May 14) evening.

“For reasons yet to be established, it is understood that a male passenger from the vehicle has leaned out through the window and pushed the man off his bike,” police said.

The BMW, its driver and passengers, then left the scene.

Police are treating the incident as a suspected assault and a full investigation has been launched.

The cyclist, in his 40s has left with a broken shoulder, cuts and bruises.

It happened between 6pm and 6.30pm just outside the 30mph zone north of the Portland Estate.

The Northern Echo: The approximate area of the incident on the A1068 in Ashington.The approximate area of the incident on the A1068 in Ashington. (Image: GOOGLE)

Police are now looking to speak to any witnesses, or anyone with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage.

Detective Inspector Andrew Doyle, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a serious incident which has left a man with severe and lasting injuries. We wish him a speedy recovery and we will do everything we can to ensure those involved are identified and dealt with.

“Enquiries are underway to locate the individuals and car involved.

“We’re asking the public if they witnessed the vehicle believed to have been involved travelling around the Ashington area either before the incident occurred, or shortly after.

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“Please check CCTV, doorbell and dashcam footage between those times on Tuesday – they might have recorded something which could greatly assist our investigation.”

Det Insp Doyle added: “We’d also like to take this opportunity to appeal directly to the driver or passenger of the BMW to get in touch with us and help us understand what happened.

“It was also reported that a number of people stopped at the scene to assist the man who was injured, some of whom we’ve been unable to speak to. If you were one of these people, please get in touch with us – you may have information which could prove invaluable.”