TRIBUTES have been paid to the cyclist who tragically died in a suspected hit and run yesterday morning.

Lee Rayner, who was in his 50s, died at the scene of the incident which happened at around 4.50am at the junction between Chorley New Road and Victoria Road in Horwich, Greater Manchester Police say.

Luke Smith used to attend the weekly quiz at Hollywood Road Sports and Social Club which Lee regularly attended on a Monday.

Mr Smith described his as a “really nice guy,” who he used to often talk to about football with.

“He also played darts and he was a massive Liverpool fan,” he said. “He’d just bought a ticket for the FA Cup final.”

Chris Boardman painted a similar picture of Lee, saying: “Such a lovely lad, he was a massive Liverpool fan. Let’s hope they win the Champions League final.

“R.I.P Lee. You will be missed.”

The driver of the vehicle that collided with Lee, a grey Volkswagen Polo, then fled the scene, say police.

 The police later found the vehicle and a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving.

He has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Multiple roads - including A58 Victoria, Beaumont Road in both directions and Chorley New Road - were closed for a total of around 11 hours yesterday while police carried out their enquiries.

The Bolton News: Police conducting their investigations. Credit: Danny CromptonPolice conducting their investigations. Credit: Danny Crompton

Sergeant Andrew Page, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family who are understandably devastated at this news and we’re doing all we can to get them the answers they deserve.

“A man was arrested at the scene and following questioning yesterday, he’s been bailed pending further enquiries and our investigation continues.

“We’re already following up a number of lines of enquiry and would urge anyone with information, or anyone with any dash-cam footage, to report it to us as it may assist with our investigation.

“Anyone who may have seen a grey VW Polo prior to the collision or in the area beforehand is also asked to get in touch by calling 0161 856 4741 or reporting it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.

“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”