Devastation as beloved doctor dies in horror incident

Tributes have been paid to a 'truly remarkable physician' who died after being hit by a van while cycling. Dr Rob Sapsford, 59, worked as a cardiologist for decades and was well-liked by many colleagues and patients.

He had been cycling along Great North Road in Ledsham, near Leeds, when he was hit by the van at 6.10am on Monday (September 16). The driver, a 29-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has since been bailed.

Dr Sapsford worked in the NHS cardiology team at Leeds for 30 years, Yorkshire Live reports. He leaves behind a wife and children.

READ MORE: 'People are getting killed. If that gets out on the street and someone dies with it...'

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS trust spoke about the 'thousands' of lives he had changed over the years. A trust spokesperson said: "It is with great sadness that we share the sudden death of our colleague, Dr Rob Sapsford.

"Rob has been part of the Cardiology team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals for 30 years, and is known and loved by a huge number of people. Over his career he touched the lives of thousands; not just his very many patients who loved him, but also countless colleagues and generations of young doctors.

"Rob was a truly remarkable physician. His knowledge and commitment to his specialty was unequalled, becoming the go-to source of advice for even the rarest clinical conditions. Rob will be remembered for all of these things, but also for his love of coffee, biscuits and chocolate tiffin which he would always share! Colleagues always spoke highly of Rob and he will be keenly missed by us all."

Dr Magnus Harrison, Chief Medical Officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, added: "It is with immense sadness we share the news of Dr