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POLICE hunting the driver of a car with British plates over the hit-and-run death of a cyclist in Ibiza have made an arrest.
The suspect, who well-placed sources say is from the UK, was formally detained late last night after handing himself in to cops.
It came just hours after the black Jeep Wrangler that smashed into Bernat Ribas, 49, on Tuesday evening was discovered by officers.
The abandoned vehicle, found about three miles from the scene, was towed away and is set to be analysed by forensic experts.
It is believed that the driver was involved in a head-on collision with Mr Ribas on a narrow road called the Camino de Benimussa.
The suspect is then said to have careered into a rock as he fled the scene in the municipality of Sant Josep.
The man arrested has so far only been identified locally by his initials – S.D.
A well-placed source said early this morning: “He is from the UK.”
Mr Ribas was cycling with a pal when tragedy struck, who then had to recount the horror moment to cops.
The friend, along with another motorist travelling behind the pair who was forced to brake sharply, gave police a description of the vehicle.
An urgent hunt was launched for the motor, before it was spotted near an ecology and education centre just a short drive away.
The Jeep, a right-wheel drive, was later pictured on the back of a recovery vehicle as it was escorted for analysis.
Tributes have poured in for Mr Ribas, a well-known local sports enthusiast who had taken part in many cycling competitions over the years.
His funeral is due to take place tomorrow.
Ibiza Town mayor Rafa Triguero shared his heartbreak following the cyclist’s death, comparing it to a similar incident six years ago.
Dani Vinals, 34, was riding her bike in Ibiza when she was fatally struck by a motorist who was high on drink and drugs.
Triguero wrote in a tweet: “It’s not only a cyclist on two wheels, because the many lives of many families are on a bicycle.
“We have just received another sad piece of news, following the loss of Dani not so many years ago.
“My sincerest condolences to the dead man’s family and friends and the cycling community.”
Sant Josep Town Hall said in a message of condolence: “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this moment of pain and we extend our most sincere condolences to them.”
Mayor Vicent Roig added: “I was very sad to learn that Bernat Ribas left us suddenly after this tragic accident.”
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Olivia Burke
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