Canterbury crash victim named

File photo / Martin Sykes

A 40-year-old man who died after being struck by a van in Canterbury yesterday has been named by police.

Graham Nigel Townley was walking with his bicycle on High Street in Leeston, 43km south west of Christchurch, when he was hit by the van about 8.40pm.

He died at the scene.

Canterbury district police communications manager Stephen Hill today said initial inquiries showed Mr Townley was on the road but not on his bike when he was hit.

He was not wearing a helmet or high visibility clothing.

An investigation into the crash was continuing and it was not yet clear if the van driver would face charges, Mr Hill said.

- NZPA