POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a serious crash near North Rigton.

The accident happened at about 5.30pm on Monday, July 20, when a white Vauxhall Astra van and a silver Ford Focus collided on the A658 Harrogate Road, between the two junctions for North Rigton.

The van, which had Future Builds written on its side was travelling towards Huby while the car was hearding in the opposite direction, towards Harrogate.

The van driver, a 39-year-old local man, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Harrogate District Hospital before being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary, where his condition is described as critical.

The driver of the Ford Focus, a 60-year-old woman from the Harrogate area, was left shocked but unhurt.

North Yorkshire Police is asking anyone who witnessed the crash or saw either vehicle beforehand to come forward with information.

The van is reported to have possibly overtaken a number of other vehicles before the incident and officers would like to speak to anyone who remembers being passed by it.

Anybody who can help is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and to ask for Traffic Constable Charles Ferguson, or Harrogate Roads Policing Group.

Information can also be e-mailed to charles.ferguson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk .

Reference number 12150124676 should be quoted.