Reward of £20k over e-bike ramming murder probe

A £20,000 reward has been offered by Crimestoppers for key information about the death of a mother killed when she was rammed off an e-bike in a hit-and-run.

Alana Armstrong, 25, was a passenger on one of two e-bikes that were pursued through Pleasley, Derbyshire, on Tuesday by a 4x4 and died at the scene in Batley Lane, in the village, at about 20:00 GMT.

Following an appeal on Friday, a woman in her 30s from the Pleasley area was arrested and subsequently bailed, police said.

The force added over the weekend officers found the offending vehicle, a blue Land Rover Discovery, and it has been forensically examined.

The rider of one of the bikes - a man in his 20s - was taken to hospital, where he remains, and one of his legs had to be amputated below the knee.

Police say Crimestoppers has offered the reward for information the charity exclusively receives that leads to the conviction of anyone involved in the killing of Ms Armstrong.

The reward is available for three months and is due to expire on 2 March 2025.

Information passed directly to the police will not qualify for a reward.

Det Insp Steve Shaw said: "Over the weekend we have received significant information from the public that has greatly assisted our inquiries and I would like to thank everyone who has come forward.

"I know there are people in and around the Pleasley and wider Mansfield areas that have information that can help – and you can do so anonymously through Crimestoppers."

Lydia Patsalides, from Crimestoppers, said: "My heart goes out to Alana's family and friends – and especially her little boy. She was a young mother who died in the most horrific way.

"I would urge anyone who has any information to come forward to speak to our charity 100% anonymously, to bring justice to those responsible.

"Crimestoppers is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We cannot trace your call or track your IP address.

"No-one will ever know you contacted us. This means no police, no courts, no witness statements. You may think your information is insignificant, however it could make all the difference."

A man and woman, previously arrested in connection with the incident, were released without charge.

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