An elderly cyclist was today in hospital with life-threatening injuries after an incident involving a van in Oxford yesterday.

The man was cycling on the A4142 ring road from Sainsbury’s supermarket, Heyford Hill, towards the Littlemore roundabout.

The cyclist came off his bike about 11.20am.

Police closed the road in both directions, which caused chaos for hundreds of motorists.

South Central Ambulance Service was called to the incident and took the pensioner to the John Radcliffe Hospital where he remains.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “The man has been taken to hospital where his condition has been described as life-threatening.

“A full investigation is under way to find out exactly what happened and we would appeal to witnesses to come forward with any information.”

The A4142 was reopened at 1.24pm after the bicycle and van had been recovered.

The incident caused delays to those travelling to the Kassam Stadium to Watch Oxford United’s game against Grays Athletic.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 0845 8505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.