Four arrested after cycle death

Jamie Murray died at the scene after his bike was in collision with a Ford Focus car on the A259 at St Leonards at around 4am on January 1.

The tragic incident happened near Warrior Square Gardens.

This week Jamie’s uncle John Lomath, from Lydd Road, Camber, paid tribute to Jamie and spoke of how he had lived in the village for six months before moving to Hastings.

Speaking on behalf of his wife, Julie and two sons, said:

“He was a very friendly lad. I last saw him a couple of weeks ago and he said everything was going well.

“We moved to Camber from Crystal Palace in 2008. He came down from Brixton where he lived. I brought him down when he was 17. He lived with us for about six months and then got himself a flat in Hastings.

“I have two boys Christopher, 20, and Steven, 17, and they kind of grew up with him. They looked up to him like a big brother. They always saw him as their big brother.

“He was a good boy, a happy boy. He didn’t deserve this. He was part of our family here and we will really miss him.”

Bouquets of flowers and tributes to Jamie have been laid against railings at Warrior Square Gardens close to where the accident happened.

One carried a message which read: “Hi Jay - even now I’m speechless. Can’t believe God has taken you from us on the first day of a fresh start. RIP brother.”

Dozens of messages of condolences have been posted to the Observer Facebook page.

Karen Pain posted: “Poor lad was probably on his way home from work. My thoughts are with his family.”

Gemma Huggett posted: “I cant believe you’ve gone. what a nice lad always spoke to us.”

A police spokesman said: “At approximately 4am on January 1 a collision occurred between a Ford Focus and a pedal cycle.

“After colliding with the cycle the Ford Focus continued for a short distance on the A259 before stopping.

“The male rider of the cycle died at the scene.

“We are appealing for information. Witnesses are asked to call Sussex Police on 101 and quote Operation Ashdown.”

Three men and a 17-year-old boy were later arrested all on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

They were a 33-year old from Bexhill, a 24-year old from Hastings, a 24-year old from Bexhill, and a 17-year old from Bexhill.

Two of them, the 33-year old from Bexhill and the 24-year old from Hastings, were also arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drunk or drugs.

The 24-year-old man from Bexhill was also arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking.