A MOTORCYCLIST has died after a crash on a rural lane in North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Police said the rider, who was in his 50s and from the Ripon area, had been travelling from Sicklinghall, near Harrogate, towards Netherby when he crashed at about 5.30pm on Sunday.

Officers leading the investigation said the motorcyclist, who had been riding a white and silver BMW, came off after colliding with a black Volkswagen Polo which had been travelling in the opposite direction.

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigations are ongoing and police said they were not in a position to release the rider's identity.

Anyone that saw either of the vehicles before the collision should call police on 101 or email Mark.mullins@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference number 12160175076.