Putney bus driver killed early on Easter Sunday

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Police seek witnesses

At approx. 05:40 on Sunday 27th March a passing London Ambulance Service crew came across a man lying on the footway on the southbound section of the A3 at New Malden.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His silver Honda Dylan motorcycle was on its side in lane one of the same road.

The man pictured left was Michael John Cottle, 51 yrs, a bus driver based at Putney. He lived in Chessington.

The night before he had been at his sister's house in Earlsfield. At some point in the early hours (possibly 03:00) he left to go back home. He was then found deceased on the roadside at 05:40.

At this stage we do not know caused him to come off. He either lost control or was in collision with a third party which caused him to come off.

The incident is being investigated by the Collision Investigation Unit at Hampton under John McAree.

We would like to hear from any witnesses or anyone who has information which would assist us on 020 8941 9011.

March 28, 2005