A CYCLIST was stabbed to death as he pedalled through London’s biggest park in bright sunshine yesterday.

The 40-year-old victim was attacked just after 10am in Richmond Park, a favourite for walkers and joggers from across southwest London.

Police believe the assailant had been hiding behind a big oak tree near the East Sheen gate, on the north side of the 2,470-acre park, and pounced as cyclists and walkers passed by. His victim fell from his bicycle and lay wounded on the grass by the tree as shocked witnesses saw his attacker fleeing across the park.

Last night a suspect was under arrest after police sealed off the park and he was spotted by a police helicopter crew hiding in bushes near Ham Gate, a mile-and-a-half from the murder scene.

The victim, a local man, was taken to hospital but died three hours after the attack. Nothing is thought to have been stolen.

The suspect, who is 41, was spotted hiding in bushes by the helicopter which hovered as its crew directed officers on the ground to where the man was hiding. Superintendent Chris Phillips, of Richmond Borough Police, said: “The man was spotted by our police helicopter, which was over the park within minutes. He was spotted trying to evade police and was seen hiding in some bushes.”

“Thank goodness for the helicopter, because it saved us work. If the suspect had got out of the park we may never have been able to find him.”

He added: “The victim has been identified but we are waiting for next of kin to be informed.”

Forensic officers were examining a pathway near the north boundary of the park that stretched more that 800 yards from open grassland to a pair of oak trees, where the victim was stabbed.

Police also cordoned off the route the attacker is believed to have fled along from the murder scene across open grassland towards a copse. The park will be closed as they hunt for the murder weapon.

Leslie Player, who uses the park to walk her dog, said: “I spend half my life in this park. It’s very quiet and the safest place to be because the police patrol on horses and in cars.”

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