POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist was seriously hurt in a crash near Leathley.

The two-vehicle incident happened on the A658 Harrogate Road beside the Riffa service station, at 6.50am on Friday, January 12.

The accident involved a black, pickup style vehicle driven by a 58 year old man from the Halifax area and a black motorcycle ridden by a 50 year old man from the Harrogate area.

The motorbike rider suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary.

The road, one of the main routes into Pool-in-Wharfedale, was closed for five hours afterwards to allow paramedics to tend to the rider, the police to examine the scene and the vehicles to be recovered.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone who remembers seeing either vehicle or being overtaken by the motorcycle beforehand, to get in touch as soon as possible.

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police by calling 101, selecting option 2, and asking for Traffic Constable 117 Steve James.

Information can also be sent by e-mail to steve.james117@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk .

The North Yorkshire Police reference number NYP 12012018-0048 should be quoted when making contact.