FIVE people died and another three were seriously injured in three separate accidents on North Yorkshire's roads in less than 24 hours.

The drivers of a BMW and a Vauxhall Astra were pronounced dead at the scene after the two cars collided on the A165 between Scarborough and Filey, on Tuesday evening.

Maureen Hope, 55, of Wharfedale, Filey, was at the wheel of the BMW, while the driver of the Astra has been identified as 17-year-old Edward Nicholson, of Abbotsgarth, Seamer.

Christopher Jones, also 17, of Harford Road, Cayton, Scarborough - one of four male passengers in the Astra - later died of his injuries at Scarborough General Hospital, where teenager Gary Westwood, of Kingfisher Close, Crossgates, was also described as in a critical condition.

Stuart Nevins, 17, of West Garth, Cayton, who was travelling in the Astra, was transferred to Hull Royal Infirmary with serious head injuries.

Scott Colling, of Eastlea View, Cayton, escaped the accident with minor cuts and bruises.

It took fire crews more than two hours to free all the casualties from the wreckage.

A fleet of four ambulances and a fast-response paramedic car helped ferry the injured to hospital. An inquest into the three deaths is expected to open and adjourn today.

Meanwhile, a motorcyclist also died in an accident yesterday on the A658 Harrogate to Bradford road.

His machine was involved in a collision with a car near the North Rigton junction, east of Huby, at noon.

A cyclist also died after he was knocked from his bike by a lorry on the A168 near Asenby at around 2.30pm yesterday afternoon.

Described as being in his 50s, he was taken to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, where a specialist team had been alerted, but doctors were unable to save him.

Police are hoping to trace witnesses who may be able to help with inquiries into all three accidents. Anyone with information can telephone (01609) 783131.