PASSING motorists watched in horror as a man was killed when he plunged from a A1 roadbridge on to a car in which a man and woman from York were travelling

The 26-year-old man fell more than 20ft from the motorway bridge at Brotherton last night, into the path of a Saab car travelling in the northbound carriageway.

The 41-year-old driver of the Saab and his 67-year-old passenger, from Bishopthorpe, near York, were said to have been severely shocked by the traumatic experience, but were uninjured.

The Saab, which police said was travelling in the nearside lane of the dual carriageway, was extensively damaged.

The dead man, who has not yet been named, is believed to be from South Yorkshire.

The incident happened just before 11pm yesterday. The north bound carriageway of the A1 was closed by police for a short time.

Selby police spokesman PC John Wardell said they believed the fatality was linked to an incident earlier in the evening in Barnsley when a woman was allegedly abducted.

PC Wardell said the woman was found in a car near to the scene of the fatality on the A1, and had been interviewed briefly by North Yorkshire detectives.

He said the investigation into the alleged abduction would be carried out by South Yorkshire Police.

Selby-based Detective Sergeant Steve Taylor said that in relation to the bridge fall, early indications suggested there were no suspicious circumstances.

He said the incident had been reported to the North Yorkshire coroner, and it was hoped to identify the dead man later today.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police, who are dealing with the road accident, said they were appealing for witnesses.

He said: "We are anxious to talk to anyone who witnessed the incident, particularly an elderly couple who stopped at the scene and spoke to a woman who was stood next to a parked white Ford Escort."

Anyone with information should contact PC Jonathan Chaplin at the police motorway unit on 01924 293015.