POLICE believe a man whose body was found lying in a roadside ditch might have died as a result of a traffic accident.

The body of Lorenzo Crosswaite, 52, was found just north of York.

The cause of death has yet to be established but it is thought the body may have been in the 3ft ditch since Friday evening, when Mr Crosswaite - who was known as Laurie - was last seen in the area.

His body was found by a passing cyclist at about 1pm on Tuesday on the B1363 near a railway crossing between the two entrances to the Nestle factory, in Wigginton Road.

Mr Crosswaite, who lived in Crabmill Lane, Easingwold, North Yorkshire, was last seen at about 8pm on Friday at the city end of Wigginton Road.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area on Friday evening to contact them on (01904) 631321.