A young mother has tragically lost her life after being knocked off an e-bike during a hit-and-run incident, igniting calls for justice and leading to a murder investigation.
Alana Armstrong, just 25 years old and the mother of a six-year-old boy, was fatally struck on the evening of Tuesday, November 26, as she rode pillion on one of two e-bikes on Batley Lane, Pleasley, Derbyshire. The collision occurred around 8 PM, when a dark-colored Land Rover Discovery, aggressively pursuing the e-bikes, rammed them, causing both riders to fall off.
Sadly, Alana was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving her family and community grappling with the sudden loss. The male rider of the bike, also in his 20s, was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and had to have his leg amputated below the knee due to the severe injuries he sustained.
Witnesses reported seeing the dark 4x4, believed to have been manufactured between 2004 and 2009, hunting down the e-bikes through the village. Following the collision, the vehicle sped off without stopping, and now police are urgently appealing for anyone with information about the driver's identity or whereabouts to come forward.
Chief Superintendent Dave Kirby, leading the investigation, expressed deep sorrow over Alana's death and the impact it has on her young son and family. He stated, “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, spend Christmas together, or celebrate all those milestones.”
The police investigation has seen two individuals, both thought to be connected to the incident, arrested but later released without charge. Their involvement has been ruled out, leaving the investigation with no clear suspects yet. Meanwhile, officers are combing through extensive CCTV footage and interviewing residents for any leads.
Reportedly, the Land Rover Discovery was last sighted on Rowthorne Lane, executing a right turn onto the A617 highway toward New Houghton. Police have emphasized the importance of community assistance, stating they have already received valuable information but suspect there are others who may hold key details about the vehicle or the individuals within it.
Kirby continued, “I want to thank everyone who has come forward already to help our investigation. I know there is more information out there – and there are people who know who the person responsible is. If you saw anything or have any knowledge about the incident, even if it seems minor, I urge you to contact us.”
Community members have rallied to support Alana’s family, reflecting on her vibrant spirit and the love she had for her son. Friends and acquaintances described Alana as someone who always had a smile, even amid personal struggles. Jessica Waring, one of her close friends, remarked, "She was such an amazing young woman who always wore a smile. She'd been dealt some real hardships but always stayed positive throughout. She'd turned her life around and defied all the odds stacked against her. I hope we find whoever did this. Please give any information no matter how irrelevant you think it might be."
Police urge anyone with knowledge of the vehicle, particularly if it may have front-end damage from the incident, to come forward. They are also appealing for anyone with CCTV footage, especially along the route it was latterly spotted, to share it with detectives working on the case.
Investigators reassess every aspect of the event, reminding the public about the dangers prevalent even within their own communities. The details surrounding this tragic event are still developing as the police continue to pursue leads and gather evidence.
The heart-wrenching loss of Alana Armstrong serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance on the roads, as well as the importance of community cooperation during inquiries like this to prevent tragic outcomes from occurring again.
