Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for crucial information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the hit-and-run death of a young mother. Alana Armstrong, 25, tragically lost her life in the incident which occurred on Batley Lane, Pleasley, around 8pm on Tuesday, November 26.
The collision involved an e-bike and a dark coloured 4x4, thought to be a Land Rover Discovery, which had been following two e-bikes before ramming into one, causing both the rider and pillion passenger to fall. The vehicle then fled the scene without stopping.
Alana, who was a passenger on the bike and mother to a six year old boy, was pronounced dead at the scene. The male rider, in his 20s, was rushed to hospital where he has since had his leg amputated below the knee. He remains in hospital. Derbyshire police have made significant progress in their investigation since Friday.
They released an image of a woman they wished to speak with in relation to the incident, leading to the arrest and subsequent bail of a woman in her 30s from the Pleasley area. Over the weekend, officers also located the suspected vehicle, a blue Land Rover Discovery, which has been seized and forensically examined, reports Nottinghamshire Live.
Detective Inspector Steve Shaw expressed his gratitude for the public's assistance, stating: "Over the weekend we have received significant information from the public that has greatly assisted our enquiries and I would like to thank everyone who has come forward. Today independent charity Crimestoppers has offered an enhanced reward of £20,000 and I would urge anyone with information to come forward, whether to the force or Crimestoppers to help us find the driver of the Land Rover."
He further urged those in the Pleasley and wider Mansfield areas to come forward with any information, adding: "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, East Midlands Regional Manager at the charity 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. We know it can be difficult for some people to speak directly to the police which is why Crimestoppers is here for you.
"Our charity is completely independent of the police, and we've been passing on information about crime whilst guaranteeing anonymity since we were established decades ago. It's a promise we have always kept.
"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."
The reward will only be payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers and not to the police. A reward code must be asked for when calling the charity on 0800 555 111.
If you contact Crimestoppers via the online form anonymously, the 'keeping in contact' facility must be used, and a reward code must be requested on your initial contact with the charity. The reward is available for three months and is due to expire on March 2, 2025.
