A MOTORCYCLIST is seriously ill in hospital after a smash on a moorland road notorious for bike accidents.

Police are now appealing for information for other road users in an effort to piece together the circumstances.

The smash happened on the B1257 at Chop Gate, near Stokesley, just before 3pm on Wednesday and involved a red Honda CBR travelling in tandem with a white Honda CBR.

The bikes were heading from Helmsley to Stokesley when the red bike left the road on a left hand bend causing the rider, a 36-year-old man from Middlesbrough, to hit a stone wall.

He was airlifted to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough with serious chest and leg injuries and his condition was described as very poorly but stable.

Traffic Constable Neil Cholmondeley said: “I need to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the manner of driving of either of the motorcycles prior to the incident. I ask that they get in touch we me as soon as possible.”

Contact police on 0845 6060 247.