A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, when 25-year-old Alana Armstrong lost her life after being struck by a Land Rover Discovery during what has been described as a harrowing hit-and-run. This incident took place around 8 PM on Batley Lane, Pleasley, near Mansfield, England. Alana was riding pillion on the e-bike, alongside the male rider who has since been hospitalized.
According to Derbyshire Constabulary, both Alana and the rider of the e-bike were violently thrown from their vehicle when the dark-colored 4x4 deliberately rammed them. The impact proved fatal for Alana, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The male rider, also in his twenties, sustained serious injuries, primarily to his leg, which unfortunately necessitated amputation below the knee. Thankfully, his condition, reportedly, is not life-threatening.
This shocking incident has spurred the police to launch a murder investigation as they seek justice for Alana and answers for her grieving family. Chief Superintendent Dave Kirby expressed the community's sorrow, stating, “Alana was just 25 – and a mum to a six-year-old boy. Her little boy, along with her wider family, will never get the chance to see her again, hug her again, or celebrate all those milestones.”
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the Land Rover Discovery pursuing two e-bikes moments before the collision, which raises questions about the motivation behind the driver’s actions. After the collision, rather than render aid, the driver fled the scene on Batley Lane before turning onto Rowthorne Lane. The last known sighting of the vehicle led authorities to the junction where it turned right onto the A617 heading toward New Houghton.
Police have arrested two individuals—a man and woman, both aged in their 30s from the Skegby area of Nottinghamshire—with ties to the investigation. Yet, they have since been released without charge as investigators are still piecing together events leading up to the collision. Detectives have been busy reviewing CCTV footage and have conducted house-to-house inquiries to understand the events fully and identify the person responsible for this fatal incident.
Chief Supt Kirby emphasized the urgency for public assistance, urging anyone who might have seen the dark-colored Land Rover Discovery—likely produced between 2004 and 2009—to come forward. “We are asking anyone who witnessed this shocking event or has details about the Land Rover to contact us,” he stated. Detectives are particularly interested in any information related to vehicles with front-end damage or recent repairs, which may offer leads.
Alana’s family is understandably devastated by her untimely death, particularly her young son who now faces the holidays without his mother. This incident has not only impacted her immediate family but also sparked outrage and grief throughout the wider community, highlighting the need for justice and safety on the streets.
The investigation is currently intensifying as authorities continue to explore all possible leads. Both the police and the community are hopeful for closure as they seek to bring those responsible to justice and provide some solace to Alana's family during this painful time.
Alana's death highlights serious concerns about safety for cyclists and the legal repercussions of hit-and-run incidents. It’s imperative for drivers to understand the grave consequences of their actions and the impact they have on victims and their families. With police continuing to ask for help from the public, the hope is to gather more information to shed light on the events surrounding this tragic occasion.
Anyone who can assist with information is encouraged to reach out to Derbyshire police, citing the reference number 24*705090. The emphasis on community vigilance will be central as the investigation progresses.
This incident opens up broader discussions about regulatory actions and penalties concerning road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users like cyclists. Alana Armstrong will not only be remembered as a mother, but as the victim of what authorities have confirmed is now considered murder, spurring extensive investigations and community outcry.
