A MOTORCYCLIST was airlifted to hospital following a collision near York.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the serious crash involving a yellow motorcycle and a black Mercedes car on Wheldrake Lane on Sunday (June 3).

The rider had been heading towards the village of Wheldrake from Crockey Hill and the Mercedes travelling in the opposite direction at about 10.35am when the collision took place.

The rider, a 30-year-old man from Leeds, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary.

The car driver, a 31-year-old man who also lives locally, was uninjured.

The stretch of road was closed to traffic while the police investigated the collision scene and to allow the vehicles to be safely recovered. Highways were also on hand to clear debris and carry out repairs to the road. It re-opened at around 2.30pm and the scene was clear by 3pm.

Officers are appealing for people to come forward who witnessed the collision or anyone who recalls seeing the yellow motorcycle or the black Mercedes prior to the incident.

If you can help the investigation, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Dean Turner or Neale Rees. Please quote reference number 12180097997.