Detectives hope passers-by could nail the driver who knocked down a cyclist and left her dying in the road.

Police hope locals in Tarring, Worthing, could hold the key to identifying the motorist who struck the 35-year-old and then drove off.

The victim was tonight critically ill in hospital at Southampton.

Officers arrested a 44-year-old man from Worthing on Saturday on suspicion of the attempted murder of the cyclist, who he is believed to know.

He has now been released on bail until March 31 after being quizzed by detectives from Sussex Police's Major Crime Branch.

Police tonight launched a renewed appeal for witnesses.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Johns, who is leading the inquiry, said: "It is vital that witnesses come forward, so we can glean the sequence of events leading up to how the cyclist sustained her injuries.

"We are especially keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a vehicle and the driver, who may have been involved."

The woman was knocked down in Canterbury Road, Tarring, at 10.45pm on Friday.

A Ford Transit van was later found abandoned in Broadwater Hall, near to the scene of the crash.

It is currently being examined by forensic experts to try to confirm whether it was the vehicle which hit the cyclist.

How the suspect is known to the victim has not been disclosed. The cyclist was taken with life threatening injuries to a hospital in Southampton, where her condition is described as critical.

People living near to the scene of the incident tonight spoke of their shock.

Maureen Bentley, 70, of Canterbury Road, said: "I was in bed when it happened but I heard the noise outside.

"There were a few people outside and the police closed the road off.

"To have something like that happen right on your doorstep is horrible. It just doesn't bear thinking about that this poor lady was left in the road."

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "There are all sorts of rumours flying about the town.

"It's a terrible thing to have happened and I just hope she's going to be okay."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 6070999, quoting Operation Trader, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

* Do you know the injured woman? Call the newsdesk on 01273 544543 or email us at news@theargus.co.uk.