Updated: AN ELDERLY man from York was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after a crash involving a car and a lorry.

Heavy traffic built up on the A1079 at Dunnington following the crash between a green tipper lorry and a Ford Focus, at about 6.30am yesterday.

A police spokesman said the 82-year-old driver of the Focus suffered serious injuries and was taken by helicopter to Leeds General Infirmary where he remained in a “very serious condition”.

The driver of the wagon was treated at the scene for an arm injury.

Police closed the road in both directions between Common Road and Dauby Lane, and diverted traffic through Elvington until it reopened at about 1pm.

A spokeswoman for the ambulance service said the Yorkshire Air Ambulance was unable to attend the scene, so a helicopter was scrambled from RAF Leconfield, near Beverley, and a paramedic accompanied the casualty to the hospital.

Traffic Constable Lee Cobb, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “I am particularly keen to speak with the driver of silver lorry which was directly behind the green truck.

“I urge them to contact me straight away as I believe that they will have vital information about the collision. If anyone else witnessed the collision or can help to identify the driver I ask that they contact me as soon as possible.”

A police spokesman said several people had already come forward, but urged anyone with information to phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247.