Woman who allegedly deliberately hit cyclist Robert Clarke in Noble Park has been released

A woman arrested over an alleged hit-and-run in Noble Park that left a cyclist in hospital has been released as the investigation continues.

A Dandenong woman who turned herself in over an alleged hit-run that left a Pakenham cyclist in hospital has been released.

The 40-year-old Dandenong woman was arrested and assisted police with their inquiries on April 17, following the alleged deliberate hit-run in Noble Park last week.

The arrest came after the victim and police fronted the press just hours before in Dandenong.

The cyclist victim Robert Clarke, 59, spoke out alongside investigating officer Sergeant Jerome Ithier in a public plea for information four days after the alleged hit-run on Douglas St in Noble Park.

The car – described as a white 2008 – 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer – allegedly stopped to allow Mr Clarke to cycle past, before accelerating towards him, mounting the curb and ploughing into Mr Clarke.

Mr Clarke fell off his bike and onto the road.

The car dragged his bike for more than 100m.

He was left with severe grazing and bruising to his legs and back and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Mr Clarke, a long-time cyclist, said he heard the driver allegedly rev the car engine before he was hit on April 13.

“The driver went past me on the road, before stopping just ahead of me,” he said.

Noble Park hit and run victim Robert Clarke, supported by wife Donna, has urged the alleged driver to turn themselves into police. Image: Gemma Scerri

The car believed to be involved.

“I slowed down to assess the situation, but the driver wasn’t indicating, and there was no movement of wheels so I just kept going.”

“I heard the acceleration, and I just thought ‘here’s another smart ass revving to try and scare me,’ but the next thing I knew, the world was spinning.”

The white sedan was last seen driving northwest through the Douglas St and Heatherton Rd intersection.

The terrifying ordeal left Mr Clarke emotional in the press conference, but he said the incident wouldn’t stop him from cycling.

“If I had a bike right now, I’d hop on it and go for a ride,” he said.

He was grateful for his helmet and clothing for protecting him from more serious injuries.

The bike was extremely damaged.

“I had plenty of upper body clothing on, good solid gloves and eye protection. I also had a backpack on which was solid and sturdy,” he said.

“That all helps when you’re tumbling.”

Sergeant Ithier said: “It’s fortunate that nobody was killed or serious injured,” he said.

Anyone with information or CCTV/dashcam footage of the car or the incident is being urged to contact police or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000, or make an anonymous online report.