A man is fighting for his life after a being mown down in a hit and run in Twickenham.

Police and emergency services descended on the junction of Heath Road and Clifden Road at around 8am yesterday morning after a cyclist was left for dead by a driver of a silver car, thought to be a BMW.

The 25-year-old, who has yet to be named, was taken to West Middlesex hospital and was initially able to sit up and talk. However his condition rapidly deteriorated and he was rushed to a specialist unit at Charing Cross hospital.

The man, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident, suffered a double fracture of the skull and his condition is still said to be serious.

A spokesman for Richmond police said: “Traffic must have been very busy at that time of the morning and someone must have seen something.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Jacobi at Twickenham police station on 020 8247 7225 quoting reference CAD alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Do you know the victim? Contact the newsdesk on 0208 744 4261.