POLICE are appealing for information to trace the driver of a car that left the scene of a collision in which a cyclist was seriously injured.

A 45-year-old man was cycling along Bondgate, Otley, when he was involved in a collision with a small dark car as he approached the junction with Charles Street.

He was knocked from his bike and left lying in the road. He was later treated at hospital for a suspected fracture to his hand.

The driver of the car, which had approached from Gay Lane, appeared to hesitate further down Charles Street before driving away, turning right onto Walkergate towards the maypole.

Checks on CCTV showed a similar vehicle in the area around the time of the incident. It is possibly a Toyota Yaris or similar small car.

The incident happened shortly after 5am on Saturday, January 9. Police have today issued an appeal to trace the car.

Sergeant Mark Czternastek, of the Outer North West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "The injured party is a member of Otley Cycle Club and was on his way to work at the time of the incident, which happened near to the Chevin Cycles shop.

"We are appealing for any information that could assist in tracing the driver involved.

"We would like to hear from anyone who thinks they know who might have been driving a vehicle of that type on that route at that time of the morning."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting reference number 13160012042.