FRENCH police have said they have closed their investigation into the death of a former East Lancashire council boss.

Steve Weaver, 64, who used to live in Blackburn, was killed by a hit-and-run driver as he cycled near his holiday home in Provence in June.

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The driver of the stolen Ford car is believed to have fled the country.

An international manhunt was launched to trace the culprit and officers believed he went to Algeria.

Commander Sebastien Roussignol, who is leading the investigation, said they were now relying on police in the African country to trace the suspect so that he could be extradited back to France for questioning.

He said: “We have identified one person as the probable culprit.He is not in France. We do not know exactly where he is, but our inquiries show he went south.

“It is possible he is in Algeria. We have informed Interpol and police in Algeria are looking for him. Our investigation in France is now finished.”

The French national, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was identified after police carried out tests on DNA found inside the stolen car recovered after the crash.

Commander Roussignol added it was now up to officers in Africa to arrest the man.

Blackburn councillor Phil Riley, who was a close friend of Mr Weaver said: “I can understand the French police’s problem, but it will certainly be very disappointing if he is not brought to justice on that basis.”

Grandfather-of-three Mr Weaver was instrumental in the creation of the Blackburn with Darwen unitary authority.

Mr Weaver, who left three children including Ruth who lives in Burnley, was also chief executive of Blackpool Council from 2002 to 2011.