POLICE are appealing for the driver of a red car to come forward to help their investigation into the death of an Otley cycling coach.

Craig Armitage, 44, was taking part in the Otley Reliability Ride on Sunday, February 15, when he was in a collision with a silver Hyundai i30 on the Bolton Abbey estate.

The fatal incident took place at about 11.30am on the B6160, between Bolton Abbey and Barden Tower.

Traffic Constable Ken Riley, of Skipton Roads Policing Group, said: “I would like to thank the large number of people who responded to our initial appeal for witnesses at the time.

“The information received as a result of those witnesses contacting us has been vital to our investigation.

“However, we are now particularly interested in speaking to the driver of a red car seen in the area close to the scene of the incident, and I am urging them to come forward as they may have information relevant to the investigation.”

The red car and its driver were seen by a witness near the archway on the main road, as it travels through the Bolton Abbey estate. The vehicle was travelling towards the A59 and Addingham, and would have passed by the scene of the accident before it happened.

TC Riley added: “Were you driving a red vehicle through the Bolton Abbey estate on Sunday, February 15, at about 11.30am?

“If so, please contact me as you may be able to help our investigation.”

Anyone with information should call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Traffic Constable Ken Riley or Skipton Roads Policing Group. Information can also be e-mailed to kenneth.riley@northyork shire.pnn.police.uk – reference number 12150025569 should be quoted by anybody getting in touch.

Father-of-three Mr Armitage, who was riding beside two other cyclists, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A week after his death 200 cyclists, including his 70-year-old father, Ken, turned out to ride in his honour in a 14-mile section – named Craig’s Tribute – of the Alba Rosa Cycling Club’s Reliability Ride.

The event’s route had been altered so that it passed through Otley.