A POLICE motorcyclist had to be taken to hospital after he came off his machine while taking part in a royal escort in York.

The rider, who was part of a police escort for Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, who was visiting the city, lost control on a slippery surface in Cemetery Road at about 12.15pm yesterday as he turned right from Fulford Road.

The Prince, who is colonel-in-chief of the 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (3 Yorks) was in the city to attend a military parade for soldiers who had returned home after serving in Afghanistan, and a thanksgiving service at York Minster.

Cemetery Road was closed near the scene and the rider was taken to York Hospital with a suspected broken arm and leg.

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said the officer was “very experienced and highly-trained,” having worked in the role for more than five years.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident. Initial investigations have suggested the rider hit a patch of ice or wet leaves on the road.

Supt Lisa Winward, York Safer Neighbourhood Commander, said: “Our thoughts are with the officer, his family and colleagues at this time and I speak for the entire force in wishing him a speedy recovery from his injuries.”

The force said an investigation would be held into what caused the crash.