EMERGENCY services are currently at the scene of a serious road traffic collision on the A171 Whitby to Guisborough road, near to the Egton turn-off.

The collision, which occurred at about 4.50pm today involved two motorcycles heading in the opposite direction.

One of the riders was taken to the James Cook University Hospital on Teesside by air ambulance, and other was taken by to the same hospital by land ambulance.

The injuries to both men are described as serious, but are not believed to be life-threatening.

This stretch of the A171 was closed to traffic until around 9pm to allow the police to investigate the scene and for the motorcycles to be recovered.

Local diversions were put in place.

Witnesses to the collision or anyone who may have noticed either motorcycle prior to the collision, is asked to contact Traffic Constable Richard Hammond of the Eastern Road Policing Group on 0845 60 60 24 7.