People have spoken of their sadness at the death of a 47-year-old man in a car crash at Otley.

Michael Crookes, from Burley-in-Wharfedale, is believed to have fallen ill behind the wheel as he was driving along the A660 Otley bypass at about 4.35pm last Friday.

His 4x4 Toyota Hilux, which was travelling in the direction of Ilkley, was in collision with two vehicles, one heading in the same direction and another towards Otley.

Police think the Hilux carried on over the Bradford Road roundabout following the first collision, before leaving the A660 Ilkley Road and crashing into a field just past Wharfebank Business Centre.

Burley ward councillor Dale Smith said: “Our hearts go out to his family and all his friends.”

Councillor Matt Palmer said: “It’s always a tragedy when these sorts of road accidents occur and all of our thoughts, from the ward councillors and everybody in the local community, will be with his friends and family at this moment.”

The accident caused road closures in the area until well into the evening.

Joanne Hanson, owner of Wharfedale Flowers, Burley-in-Wharfedale, said: “My partner came home at 9pm and the road was still closed.

“Any accident is awful isn’t it, and particularly as someone has died. It’s really sad.”