Headteacher pays tribute to cycling accident victim
The headteacher of a village school in Shropshire has today paid tribute to a classroom assistant who died in a cycling accident.
Rosanne Pugh, head at Onny School, near Craven Arms said the school was devastated by the loss of John Searle. Mr Searle, 59, of Craven Arms, died in an accident last Wednesday.
Mrs Pugh said: "We are devastated because he was a superb individual. Children have spent the last few days taking in the news.
"They are putting together a memory table for John and will conduct a remembrance service for him at Onibury Church on Wednesday from 2.30pm.
"He worked at Onibury for 18 months but held similar position in Clun. John was a keen sportsman and had talents in music.
"He was also an intelligent man who helped with maths lessons. Some pupils have said they look at maths in a different light since John helped them."
Mr Searle died whilst cycling on the B4368 Corvedale Road.
Another man in his 50s was airlifted to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital with serious leg injuries. It is understood he was injured while tending to Mr Searle.
West Mercia Police said an inquest into Mr Searle's death will be opened early next week.
And they have renewed their appeal for information about the accident.
Constable Gavin Williams said: "It's vital we speak to everyone who may have seen Mr Searle on his bike either before the collision, or just after.
We have traced a number of motorists who have been able to assist but are now appealing for the driver of a dark-coloured 4x4, possibly a Suzuki Jimny which was immediately in front of the red Kia Rio heading for Diddlebury, to get in touch.
"We are also appealing to any other road users who saw Mr Searle in Corvedale Road shortly after 8am on Wednesday to make contact." Call police on 101.
