Bicycle courier left in critical condition after being crushed by falling tree

A Chinese food bicycle delivery rider is in a critical condition in a New York hospital after he was hit by a falling tree.

Riding through Coffey Park in Brooklyn, the rider is reported to have been hit as the tree came down.

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The trees are thought to have been damaged by a recent hurricane and New York Police and Parks Department officials said a contractor was cutting them down at the time.

The man's bike was left at the scene, the damage clearly evident.

“Our thoughts are with the individual injured in this unfortunate accident," said New York Parks Department in a statement.

“NYC Parks is conducting a thorough investigation of this incident. There is no further immediate danger to the public.”

Back in the UK, there are present weather warnings in place for much of the country due to expected high winds which can be treacherous for cyclists.