Fresh appeal for witnesses to crash that killed '˜respected and dedicated' Leeds academic

Dr Andrew Platten, who had a “true passion” for cycling, died after his bicycle was hit by a silver Vauxhall Vectra in Cottingley Cliffe Road at about 7.34pm on Tuesday, July 19. 　

The driver, a 22-year-old man from Bradford, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was later released on bail pending further enquiries.

Sergeant Ann Drury, of the Major Collision Enquiry Team, said:　“While a number of witnesses have come forward, we believe there were other people in the area who would have seen this collision or the events leading up to it and I would urge them to contact us, as they may have vital information which could assist this inquiry.　

“A man has sadly died as a result of this collision and it is crucial that we establish exactly what happened on that evening.”　

Following his death, tributes were paid to Dr Platten, who was 55 and who worked in construction, and also lectured and established business and research links through his role as chair of the Centre for Knowledge Exchange enterprise hub based at Leeds Beckett University.

His family released a statement last week which said: “Andrew excelled as a respected and dedicated academic, with a love for art, poetry and music. For anyone that knew him, cycling was his true passion as he became a recognised competitive rider on the roads.

“Most importantly he was a loved friend, loyal brother and uncle, loving partner and a truly inspirational father. He will be deeply missed, but he has left his stamp on all who met him. He will always be cherished and never forgotten, living on in all our hearts.”

Professor Mohammad Dastbaz, pro vice chancellor at Leeds Beckett, said: “He was a very experienced construction sector professional, but he remained committed to research and teaching, sharing his expertise with the construction professionals of the future.”

Dr Platten was active in a number of business networks regionally, he worked in construction and lectured at Leeds Beckett while helping the university to develop international links in countries like Hong Kong and Mauritius. He also wrote more than 45 academic papers in his field.

Professor Peter Slee, vice chancellor at Leeds Beckett, added: “Andrew was a very well respected senior colleague at our University with a passion for higher education, teaching, research and engagement with the construction industry. All of us at Leeds Beckett University are very saddened by his death.”

Anyone with information can contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 101.