WITNESSES of a fatal collision involving a motorcyclist are being asked by police to come forward.

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for anyone who saw the fatal accident, which happened at 6.30pm on Saturday, September 21 on Kirkby Road in Ripon, to contact them.

Police were alerted by ambulance services to a collision between a blue Suzuki GSXR 1000 motorbike and a white Ford Transit van in Kirkby Road, about two miles out of Ripon, towards Kirkby Malzard.

Due to the injuries sustained in the collision, the 56-year old man from Ripon who was riding the motorbike died at the scene.

The 20-year-old male driver of the Ford Transit van was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released under investigation.

The road was closed for eight hours to allow the Collision Investigation Unit to attend the scene and carry out a full investigation. It reopened at 3am.

A spokesperson from the force said: "Police are appealing for anyone who saw the collision, or either vehicle prior to it, to contact them. We would particularly like to speak to anyone who may have captured dash cam footage.

"Please dial 101, select option two and ask to speak to the Major Collision Investigation Team. You can also email MCIT@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Please quote reference number 12190175718."