The family of a cyclist who was killed in a crash with a bin lorry have said her loss is “incomprehensible” as she is pictured for the first time.

Cheistha Kochhar, 33, died after she was reportedly hit by a bin lorry in Clerkenwell Road, near the junction with Farringdon Road, on March 19.

Her family said Cheistha, who was from India, was in the “early stages” of her PhD at the London School of Economics (LSE) when the crash happened.

In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, Chesitha’s family said: “She always had a hug to spare for anyone and she lived her life with the principle that it was more important to be the kindest person in the room than to be the smartest person in the room.

“In the short span she had on this planet, she touched tens of thousands of people in extremely meaningful ways and the magnitude of this loss is incomprehensible.”

Having studied in New Delhi, Cheistha went on to work for Indian Government think tank NITI Aayog.

The focus of her work at LSE was how to better tackle the challenges faced by countries from the Global South.

Her family added: “She was an ardent patriot and wanted to bring all her expertise back to India to change lives.”

Police continue to appeal for witnesses and any road users with dashcam footage following the crash.

The bin lorry stopped at the scene and the driver is helping police with their enquiries.

There have been no arrests and the police investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who can help police is asked to call 101 or 020 8246 9820, quoting reference CAD6903/19Mar.