A MOTORCYCLIST has been killed after a collision with a car in the centre of York.

The tragic smash happened just before 8pm yesterday in Heworth Green and police have today appealed for witnesses to help them unravel how it happened.

Officers cordoned off the crash scene between Mill Lane and St John’s Walk and diverted traffic along nearby roads as the investigation into what caused the collision began, and they were expecting to be there late into last night searching for clues.

The stricken yellow Husaberg trials bike which the motorcyclist, who has not yet been named, was riding could still be seen lying on its side amid the stench of petrol fumes as police teams taped off the stretch of road. A white Ford Fiesta also involved in the crash was standing at the entrance to St John’s Walk.

Ambulances were called to Heworth Green at 7.54pm and took the injured rider to York Hospital, but his death was confirmed less than an hour later. His age and where he was from were also still unknown today.

Speaking to The Press at the scene last night, Traffic Sergeant Andy Quigley, who is leading the investigation into the tragedy, said: “We believe the motorcycle was travelling away from the city from the direction of Monkgate roundabout when it was in a collision with a white Ford Fiesta further down Heworth Green.

“We found that car by the side of the road at the entrance to St John’s Walk, although we are not sure whether it came to rest there following the collision or was driven there. The driver is being spoken to by officers, but has not been arrested and, although he is shaken by the incident, he was not injured. At the moment, we do not know whether both these vehicles were travelling in the same or opposite directions, and our investigation is ongoing.”

Anybody with any information about the crash should call North Yorkshire Police’s central area roads policing group on 0845 6060 247.