POLICE have appealed for witnesses to a car crash that left a teenager fighting for his life.

The accident happened on the B6165 Ripley Road near to the junction with New Road at about 9.45pm yesterday.

A black Vauxhall Corsa, which was travelling as part of a group of five vehicles in the direction of Knaresborough, hit a tree and ended up on its roof.

The 17-year-old driver and his passenger were both trapped in the vehicle and had to be released by firefighters with cutting equipment.

They were initially taken to Harrogate Hospital, but the 17-year-old, who suffered serious head injuries, was then transferred to Leeds General Infirmary, where he remains in an extremely serious condition.

The passenger, who is believed to be 16, also received serious injuries and remains at Harrogate Hospital.

The other vehicles in the group were a silver Vauxhall Astra hatchback, a black Vauxhall Corsa hatchback, a silver VW Golf hatchback and a silver Renault Clio hatchback.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, the manner of driving of the Corsa or any of the other vehicles just prior to the collision or earlier in the evening, is asked to contact Traffic Constable Andy Macleod on 0845 60 60 247.