A former champion cyclist had his lower left leg amputated last week after it was crushed under the weight of an articulated lorry in Hampton Court.

Alan Ephgraves knee was so badly mangled by the lorrys front wheel that doctors were unable to save the rest of the lower leg.

It was the amateur racers second life-threatening cycling accident. The 54 year old was forced to end competitive racing after he was knocked over nine years ago, badly damaging his back.

He is slowly recovering in Charing Cross Hospital following emergency surgery, and his wife Irene said he was in good spirits.

He kept asking me how much of his leg they had cut, she said from their Morden home. He heals very quickly and he was even talking about riding again but he promised me he wouldnt, at least not in the short term.

Following Mr Ephgraves first serious accident, the mother-of-two said she would sometimes worry when he went out for a ride.

She said: Even before the accident you are always concerned. Sometimes I would become worried if he didnt come back in time. I would wonder if something had happened.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place on Hampton Court Way on November 14, at 1pm, to come forward.

The articulated Volvo had careered across the Hampton Court Way carriageway and blocked one side of the road causing major traffic disruption for three hours.

Mr Ephgrave was trapped with his racer under the lorrys front wheels following the collision near Hampton Court Station.

Firefighters freed him and he was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he was also treated for multiple breaks in his left arm.

Anyone with information should call the collision investigation unit in Chertsey on 01932 56 99 22.

By.Steven Shukor