Tributes to former Testwood Scout leader Derek Stevens (92) killed in Totton cycling accident

TRIBUTES have been paid to a 92-year-old former Scout leader who died after a cycling accident in Totton.

Derek Stevens led youngsters at Testwood for seven years and was still involved with the group after his retirement.

On Saturday at about 3pm police were called to Ringwood Road in Totton, close to the junction of Graddidge Way, in response to reports that a cyclist had been involved in crash with a vehicle.

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

A witness appeal was launched, with the police urging those who stopped at the scene to come forward with any information.

Sgt Spencer Wragg said: “We are also making enquiries to track down the vehicle involved and would ask the driver to get in touch with us as well.

“If you have dashcam, CCTV or ring doorbell footage of the collision we would also be grateful to hear from you.”

After news of Mr Stevens death was announced, Testwood Scouts published an online tribute commending his 50-year involvement with the Scouting movement.

It 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.”

As reported in the A&T, in 2017 the community rallied together to help buy Derek a new electric bicycle after his was stolen when he popped into Asda on Maynard Road.

An appeal organised by his granddaughters Samantha Stevens and Hannah Inayat saw the community contribute £550 towards a replacement.

In 2020 his bike was stolen again from the same place, leaving him without his own means of getting out and about unaccompanied.

At that point Derek had not had a licence for several years due to poor eyesight.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Steven's death. Anyone with information should ring 101, quoting 44220079602.