A MAN was airlifted to hospital after a serious collision on the A1 involving a car and a van.

The incident happened on the southbound carriageway between junctions 48 and 49, near Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, just after 3pm today when a Suzuki Swift and a Mercedes Benz Sprinter van collided.

The car was being driven by a 23-year-old man and was carrying a four-month-old child, a 30-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman.

The driver had to be cut free from the vehicle and was taken to Leeds General Infirmary by air ambulance with serious head injuries.

The male passenger also had to be freed by fire crews and was taken to Harrogate District Hospital by road ambulance.

The child was checked for whiplash at the scene.

Three fire crews were called to the scene and the carriageway was closed for three hours while the vehicles were removed.

Witnesses are asked to call police on 0845-6060247.