A MOTORIST was killed when his car went out of control and smashed into a tree.

The 44-year-old was at the wheel of a silver Mitsubishi coupe when the tragedy happened on the B6165 at Nidd, near Harrogate, at about 5.20pm on Friday, November 28.

He was travelling towards Ripley from the Knaresborough area when he lost control of the car.

Traffic Constable Ken Riley, said: “We are particularly interested in contacting a male who stopped at the scene and offered to disconnect the battery on the Mitsubishi following the collision, this person may have been the first at the scene.

“Witnesses have also described the silver coupe overtaking a number of vehicles prior to the incident on the journey from Knaresborough and I am particularly keen to speak with any of the occupants of those vehicles.”

The dead man has yet to be but is known to have lived in the area.

Anyone with information should contact either TC Ken Riley or TC David Minto at Harrogate police on 101 or email David.Minto@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk