THE family of a north Hampshire man who died while out cycling with friends has paid tribute to him.

Malcolm Lewis, 60, was part of a group of cyclists heading along Hockford Lane, in Brimpton Common, when he fell from his bike and sustained severe head injuries.

The group had just left The Pineapple public house at about 5.30pm last Thursday, June 3, when the accident occurred and Mr Lewis, of Woodlands Road, Baughurst, was taken to Basingstoke hospital.

He died as a result of his injuries later that evening.

In a statement Mr Lewis’ family said: “Malcolm sadly passed away after a tragic pedal cycling accident.

“Although he will be sadly missed, we have comfort in knowing he died doing something he loved. He leaves behind a wife, daughter, son and grandchild.”

Officers from the Roads Policing Unit at Whitchurch are appealing for anyone who saw the incident or the group of cyclists prior to the incident, to get in touch.

Anyone with any information should contact PC Jeremy Bryon, at Whitchurch Roads Policing Unit, quoting Operation EZRA on 101 or by calling crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.