A MOTORCYCLIST has been airlifted to hospital with multiple injuries following an accident near York.

North Yorkhire Fire & Rescue Service said firefighters helped rescue the man after his leg became trapped under a mobile welfare unit when he came off his machine in Wheldrake Lane, between Escrick and Wheldrake, at about 6.50pm this evening.

A spokeswoman said fire crews used air bags and stabilisation equipment to lift the welfare unit and help police and paramedics free the motorcyclist.

She said the man, who is thought to be in his 40s, was taken to hospital by air ambulance with multiple injuries which were not thought to be life-threatening.