A cyclist died when he fell off his machine as his wife and nephew looked on, police said today.

The 39-year-old man, from the North-East of England, who was on holiday, was pronounced dead by a doctor at the scene of the accident, in Lundavra Road, Fort William, in the Scottish Highlands, yesterday evening.

A Northern Constabulary spokesman said the cyclist was with his wife and a young nephew at the time of the tragedy, which happened at about 8.10pm. It is believed the man lost his balance while cycling downhill around a bend in the road.

Police said no other vehicle or object was involved in the accident.

A report on the incident would be sent to the procurator fiscal, the spokesman added.