GOOD Samaritans who tried to help two pedestrians involved in a fatal crash in York city centre have been praised by police.

A man in his early 20s died in hospital on Saturday night after he and a 47-year-old woman became trapped under a taxi. Police are now appealing for key witnesses who helped to push the black Vauxhall Zafira away from the casualties before paramedics arrived and took the pair by ambulance to York Hospital.

The incident happened shortly before 8pm in Museum Street, at its junction with Lendal. The man later died at York Hospital at about 9.40pm.

The woman remains in hospital in a serious condition, although her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The driver of the Zafira, who is aged in his 40s and lives in York, was uninjured in the collision.

Nobody has been arrested in connection with the investigation and police have not identified the people involved at this time.

Traffic Constable Steve James, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “It is vital that everyone who witnessed this tragic incident contacts the police to assist the investigation.

“From our inquiries so far, we understand that a number of people actually helped to push the taxi away from the man and woman who were trapped underneath.

“This is an incredibly courageous thing to do under the circumstances and they deserve a great deal of praise.

“As well as to thank them for their quick actions and kindness, I also need to speak with them to see if they have any information that could help us piece together the full circumstances surrounding this tragic collision.

“Even the smallest detail could be important, so please do not delay in making contact.”

Witnesses to the collision or anyone with information that could assist the investigation, are urged to phone Traffic Constable James at the Roads Policing Group on 0845 6060247, quoting reference number 12110149979.

Police shut Museum Street and Lendal Bridge until 1.15am yesterday to allow a detailed investigation into the fatal collision to be made.