Paralympic Champion Injured In Hit-And-Run

A gold medal-winning Paralympian is in a critical condition after being injured in a hit-and-run incident.

Cyclist Simon Richardson was riding his bike near Bridgend when it is thought he was struck by a van.

The 44-year-old was taken by air ambulance to hospital, where his wife said he was in a "critical but stable condition".

A 59-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and police are appealing for witnesses.

Inspector Tony McAlinden said: "He was apparently struck by a small white van travelling in the same direction.

"The van did not stop and continued east along the A48 in the general direction of Cowbridge.

"Police would like to speak to any person who witnessed the collision, or may have been travelling between Cowbridge and Bridgend on the A48 and saw a white small van leaving the area."

Richardson won two gold and a silver medal at the Beijing games in 2008 and was awarded the MBE in 2009.

He used his bike to help recover from severe injuries he sustained in a cycling accident in 2001.

Ten years ago Richardson was struck by a vehicle travelling at 60mph, which shattered his leg and broke his back in two places, causing him to lose all feeling in his left-hand side.

The Paralympic champion used a specially adapted bike powered by his right leg to help his rehabilitation and then to compete.

:: Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the South Wales Police roads unit in Gwaelod y Garth, Cardiff, on 02920 633 438 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.