POLICE are investigating after shocking video footage emerged apparently showing a white van driver trying to force a cyclist off a road.

The video of the incident on the A272 at Cowfold has sparked widespread outrage after it was shared on social media.

The van driver’s boss has been forced to issue a public apology and has dismissed the driver.

The clip shows a white van swerving across the road, almost knocking the rider off his bike and forcing him on to the grass verge.

Managing director Ian Frazer of London-based Vidette UK leisure refurbishment wrote to express his “sincere apologies” to the cyclist for the “very irresponsible and dangerous move” by his engineer on Sunday April 30.

He added: “My wife and I are both very keen cyclists ourselves so fully appreciate the impact/trauma that a near miss like this would have on anyone in this situation.

“He stated that he was having personal problems with his family and his mind ‘was all over the place’ and that he is so sorry.”

A police spokesman said: “A report was made to Operation Crackdown on May 2 about an incident between a van and a cyclist on April 30 at Station Road and Brownings Hill in Cowfold. The footage has also been sent with the report and an investigation continues.”