The headteacher of Stretford Grammar School has died after being struck by a car in Altrincham in a hit-and-run collision on Monday evening.
Michael Mullins, 56, was cycling home from Stretford Grammar - where he had served as headteacher for 17 years - when he was hit by a car on Paddock Lane, at the junction with Warburton Lane and Dunham Road, at around 6.10pm. The car failed to stop at the scene.
Mr Mullins was pronounced dead following the collision.
Four people - three men and one woman - have since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remain in police custody.
Stretford Grammar School is closed today and will reopen tomorrow. In a letter to parents, deputy headteacher Liz Baxter described the news as "sad and devastating", and paid tribute to Mr Mullins as a "dear friend and colleague".
"I know that this news will be a dreadful shock to you and your children," she wrote. "As a community built up so strongly over so many years by Michael, we will all support each other during this awful period."
Ms Baxter added that staff would "pull together to continue his legacy" in honour of his years of dedication to the school.
Mr Mullins, from Weaverham in Northwich, was previously deputy head teacher at Sale Grammar before moving to Stretford Grammar in 2009.
His family paid tribute to their “loving Dad, husband, Brother-in-law, ‘Diddy’, Uncle, Son in law”.
In a statement, they said: “Our loving Dad, husband, Brother-in-law, ‘Diddy’, Uncle, Son in law, passed away last night after being knocked off his bike.
“He was devoted to his family, and our lives will never be the same. A gap has been left in our hearts and within his role as a headteacher of Stretford Grammar school.
“Our Dad gave us fantastic memories growing up including a trip getting lost at night around Washington D.C but it was in his role as a Grandad where he truly excelled.
“Our love and memories of Michael will know no limits.
“We will love him forever, to Saturn and beyond.”
Greater Manchester Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage of the area at the time to come forward.
If you have information, contact GMP via 101 or Crimestopwatch anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting the incident number.
