NORTH Yorkshire police are appealing for information after a 16-year-old girl riding a mountain bike suffered serious injuries following a collision with a dark coloured Kia 4x4 vehicle.

It happened at 12.50pm on Saturday, April 23 on the B6267 near Masham, at its junction with Halfpenny House Lane.

The Kia was travelling away from Masham towards Nosterfield and the white mountain bike was travelling from Halfpenny House Lane and joining the B6267.

Police said as a result of the collision the 16-year-old, who is from the local area and was wearing a distinctive pink top and a rucksack, was taken to hospital by air ambulance. She is in a critical condition.

The driver of the 4x4, a 35-year-old woman from the Leyburn area, suffered minor injuries. The road was closed for several hours while police investigated the scene.

Police are asking anyone who saw the collision or either vehicle before the crash to contact Traffic Constable 994 Simon Hudson of Richmond Road Policing Group, call 101. Quote reference 12160070424 or email simon.hudson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk .