DETECTIVES investigating a fatal crash have urged a witness who stopped at the scene to come forward.

A 53-year-old man died just before midnight last Sunday on the A6055, Ferrensby-to-Knaresborough road, close to the entrance of Knaresborough Golf Club, when the blue Vauxhall Astra he was driving towards Knaresborough left the road and hit a tree.

Police said the man they need to trace was travelling from the Knaresborough direction and arrived at the scene shortly after the crash. A spokesman said police believe the man, who stopped to offer assistance at the scene, had a torch and was wearing high visibility clothing. for himself and another motorist at the scene He left before the arrival of emergency services without leaving his details.

Traffic Sergeant Pete Wood, of the Force’s Roads Policing Group, said: “If you are the man who stopped to offer assistance, I urge you to get in touch with the police straight away as you may have vital information that could assist this investigation. I am also keen to speak to anyone else who can help with this enquiry.”

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, email mark.paterson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or phone Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.