POLICE are renewing their appeal to trace the driver of a white van following a fatal road traffic smash near Thirsk.

The collision on the A61 near Busby Stoop involved a black Honda Civic, heading towards Skipton-on-Swale, and a blue Yamaha motorcycle travelling in the opposite direction.

The motorcycle caught fire causing a significant blaze directly behind the van that officers need to trace - thought to be a 7.5 tonne or class two vehicle.

The incident happened at around 7pm last Friday (OCT 26) and the man who died was Nazarovs Stanilavs, 27, from Sowerby near Thirsk.

Mr Stanilavs was originally from Latvia but had lived in the UK for a number of years. An inquest has been opened and adjourned.

A 22-year-old man who was arrested following the collision remains on police bail.

Traffic Constable Chris Marlow said: “It is vital that the driver or passengers from the van contact the police immediately, as I strongly believe that they will have vital information about the collision.

“The fire caused by the incident was of such a size that they must have seen it in the rear view mirrors. It may be that the van’s occupants did not realise the severity of the injuries suffered by the motorcyclist.

“I also need to speak to anyone else who was in the area at the time and can help with this investigation.”

Contact police on 101, press option two and ask for Chris Graham-Marlow. Alternatively information can be emailed to Chris.Graham-Marlow@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk