No vehicle involved in death of former Testwood Scout leader Derek Stevens

POLICE investigating the death of a former Scout leader after a cycling incident in Totton have said they are no longer looking for a driver or vehicle in connection with his death.

Derek Stevens was involved with Testwood Scouts for 50 years, and the group led tributes to him following the 92-year-old's death on Ringwood Road, near the junction with Graddidge Way, last Saturday afternoon.

Mr Stevens was taken to Southampton General Hospital with "life-threatening injuries" and died on Tuesday morning.

After the incident, Hampshire police made an appeal to find a driver in connection with the incident, but yesterday afternoon officers confirmed they no longer believe a vehicle was involved in Derek's death.

A spokesperson said: "We can confirm we have identified and spoken with the driver. No vehicles were involved in the collision."

Paying tribute online, Testwood Scouts said: “It is with great sadness that we heard today about the passing of Derek Stevens.

“Derek started at 5th Testwood as a volunteer with our Cub Scouts back when we were known as the 23rd Romsey on 30th August 1972, and was still involved with the group as a helper almost 50 years later.

“Derek was also the group Scout leader at Testwood for seven years and had been treasurer, chair and, over the years, kept our lorries and minibuses on the road.

“Derek used to drive the minibus every week to pick up the elderly folk to take them to bingo and drop them home afterwards; this involved two runs to collect and two to drop off.

"Many will have still seen Derek regularly riding his electric cycle around the Totton area.”