A MOTORCYCLIST has died after a head-on collision with a car on a North Yorkshire road.

The smash happened just after 7pm last Friday on the A61 by Busby Stoop, near Thirsk, but details have only just been released.

The collision involved a black Honda Civic, heading towards Skipton-on-Swale and a blue Yamaha motorcycle travelling in the opposite direction.

The 27-year-old local man riding the Yamaha was taken to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton with serious injuries and he died a short time later. He has yet to be named.

The 22-year-old man driving the Honda was arrested in connection with the incident. He has been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.

Officers are now particularly keen to trace the driver of a white transit type van which was in the area at the time.

Traffic Constable Christopher Graham-Marlow said: “The person I need to speak to was driving a medium sized white box van, possibly 7.5 tonnes or class two. I believe that they will have vital information about this incident.

“I would also like to speak to anyone who saw either of the vehicles prior to the collision.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for Chris Graham-Marlow. Alternatively information can be emailed to Chris.Graham-Marlow@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk