A MOTORCYCLIST who died in a crash in North Yorkshire was a serving police officer.

Two men died in the crash, which happened on the B1257 between Malton and Amotherby at about 11.50am on Friday.

North Yorkshire Police said two Suzuki bikes were travelling in opposite directions when they collided, killing a man in his thirties, and a man in his sixties.

Both were from East Yorkshire, and it is understood one of the riders was an off-duty Humberside Police officer.

A Humberside Police spokesman said: "Humberside Police can confirm that one of their officers sadly died while off-duty.

"The force's thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues at this time. It would not be appropriate to name the officer while family and friends still need to be informed of the sad news."

The Humberside Police Federation has also released a message on its Facebook page, expressing sympathy for the officer's family.

Posted on Saturday, it said: "We sadly lost a colleague yesterday.

"We are not releasing details at this time out of respect for his family and friends that may not know yet.

"Our thoughts are, however, with the family, friends and colleagues of the officer."

Anyone who saw the crash, or either of the motorbikes before the incident should phone police on 101, select option 2 and ask for the Major Collision Investigation Team or email MCIT@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk