A CYCLIST left with a shattered knee and fractured facial bones in a crash says he was robbed while lying unconscious in the road.

Ashwin Levy, of Woodingdean, Brighton, spent 12 days in hospital with multiple fractures and crash-related illnesses including jaundice after the brakes on his bike failed.

Among the belongings taken were a wallet that contained his late father's old bank card, which had sentimental value.

The 28-year-old was on his way to work at Sainsbury’s when he lost control going down the notoriously steep Bear Road hill in Brighton.

He tried to swerve into a side road to slow his descent but came off his bike.

He said: “When I made that right-turn, that was it – that was all I remember.

“I didn’t really know what had happened to me.”

It was raining when the accident happened at about 7.30am on Monday, July 20.

Mr Levy claims that while he was unconscious someone took his bike lights and wallet – something with sentimental value to him.

His injuries included a fractured collar bone, cheek bone, eye socket and jaw bone as well as a broken knee cap, smashed into nine pieces.

He has also had brain scans after nurses saw him looking vacant with possible concussion.

It was only when his family visited him in hospital later that day that they noticed his wallet and bike lights were missing.

He said: “I’m just shocked that the only two valuable things I had on me were taken.

“All I had were a bicycle lock, wallet, name badge and pen.”

His property report sheet, filled in by paramedics at the scene, did not include his wallet or bike lights.

Mr Levy was eventually discharged on August 1, having spent his birthday in hospital, but is still at home recovering from his injuries.

He told police about the suspected robbery the following day.

He said: “I still can’t walk and my bike has been effectively written off.”

A resident who took in Mr Levy’s bike for safe keeping after the crash said a woman approached him from across the road.

Mr Levy said: "My father died last year of cancer. He didn’t have many things but appointed me as the executor of his will.

"I kept his old bank card in my wallet. It was cancelled last year so it was just a keep-sake.

"I know it’s a silly thing but it is of sentimental value."

A Sussex Police spokesman said no arrests had been made and there were no active lines of enquiry.

Call 101 if you have any information, quoting crime reference number 47150098736.