THE driver of a road sweeper is being investigated over allegations he was drinking and driving.

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for dash-cam footage and witnesses following two collisions involving the roadsweeper in the Skipton area of North Yorkshire on Saturday.

"At 11.34am officers were called to a collision involving a red, Volkswagen Lupo and the roadsweeper on the B6480 at High Bentham near to the junction of Bent Lane," said a police spokesman. 

"The woman driver of the Lupo was taken to Airedale Hospital with possible a suspected rib fracture.

"Emergency services attended and were dealing with the injured driver of the Lupo when the roadsweeper left the scene but later crashed on the A65 at Austwick, causing serious injury to the driver, including a fractured ankle, a broken rib and fractured vertebrae. He was also taken to Airedale Hospital.

"The driver of the roadsweeper also provided a positive roadside breath specimen and is currently under investigation on suspicion of drink driving.

"Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision in either location, the manner of driving of either vehicle or who may have dash-cam footage that could assist the police investigation, to come forward."

Call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and pass the information to the Force Control Room, quoting reference 12190042962 or contact Andrew.Ingram@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk