THE devastated family of the Italian cyclist killed in an accident on the A303 have issued a desperate appeal for information.

Carlo Morato, 37, from Padova, Italy, was cycling eastbound just before 3pm when he was hit from behind by a Mercedes ML280 car.

Mr Morato, who was living in Bristol and attending a language school, died at the scene of the accident near Yarnbury Castle.

His family, who flew to England last week to identify him, said they, his fiancée and the community in Padova are devastated by his death, and described him as a ‘kind, caring, joyful man’.

In a statement, they said Mr Morato – the head of a purchasing department for a busy jewellery company – had come to England on June 13 to improve his English and progress in his career.

The statement said: “Carlo had a passion for the outdoors – cycling, hiking, fishing and animals – not to mention his passion for architecture and antiques, and the lavish greenery England had to offer.

“He even had his bicycle shipped over from Italy to explore the countryside that he loved so much.”

Following the collision, a 43-year-old Essex man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information can contact PC Lucy Fair at Wiltshire Police’s serious collision investigation team at Amesbury on 0845 4087000, extension 724623.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.