Cyclist hurled 'as high as traffic lights'

John Hamilton broke his leg in four places and was due to undergo surgery yesterday at Worthing Hospital. He also suffered head injuries and said he would never get on a bike again.

Firefighters who stopped at the scene, by West Worthing Station, to administer first aid, told the Herald eyewitnesses watched as 39-year-old Mr Hamilton "somersaulted the height of the lights" after the accident on Tuesday evening.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Mr Hamilton, an engineer from Sackville Road in East Worthing, said: "After the hit I couldn't see anything clearly. It was all colours and then I hit the ground. I saw blood on the Tarmac and heard someone saying 'Christ, did you see how high he went?'."

The incident happened just before 7pm on Tuesday evening. Mr Hamilton had been on his way to see a friend.

A fire crew en-route to a call came across the accident and radioed for back-up. Brigade first aiders stabilised Mr Hamilton while they waited for an ambulance to arrive.

"I have been riding on and off for all my life but I won't be getting on a bike again," he said.

"From what I have been told about how high I went I am lucky to be here."

Mr Hamilton added: "I want to thank the firemen and all the people who stopped to help me."