Victoria police are examining a burnt-out vehicle in an attempt to aid their search for a motorist who fatally struck a cyclist near Geelong.
Police believe the destroyed car, which was found in a car park just off the Cape Otway Road on Tuesday evening, was the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run incident that killed 77-year-old Gordon Ibbs on Sunday afternoon.
Police suspect the person who struck Ibbs as he rode near Geelong may have done so deliberately and are seeking a man in his 20s who was driving a maroon sedan.
A forensic examination of the burnt-out car will occur throughout Wednesday as police search for clues to lead them to the driver.
Police said a motorist had been seen “stalking” cyclists before the incident. However, they said they had now spoken to someone in relation to this and the person was not connected to the collision that killed Ibbs.
The investigation has prompted cyclists in the region to speak out over the level of physical and verbal intimidation they receive from motorists.
Craig Bridger, vice president of the Geelong Cycling Club, said: “In last 12 months, it has got worse, for sure, it’s bizarre, couldn’t tell you why. It’s just a basic lack of respect”
