THIS was the wreckage after a horror smash on the notorious A64 near York which left a man fighting for his life.

Two men were taken to York Hospital after the crash between a white Ford Transit van and a red Mazda MX-3 coupe car, at Hazel Bush crossroads, at the junction of Stockton-on-the-Forest and Strensall, at about 5am yesterday.

The road was closed for more than five hours while debris was cleared from the carriageway and police began their investigations into the cause of the crash.

The 22-year-old driver of the Mazda has been arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified. He was in police custody last night.

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said another man travelling in the Mazda, also 22, suffered serious injuries in the crash. His condition was described as "serious" last night.

The driver of the Transit was treated at York Hospital for his injuries, which were not thought to be life-threatening.

Hundreds of commuters faced traffic chaos yesterday morning as a result of the collision.

The eastbound lane of the A64 remained closed between the A1237 at Hopgrove Roundabout and Towthorpe Moor Lane until 10.40am. Traffic was diverted to Strensall and Flaxton while the road was shut.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash, or saw either vehicle shortly before the collision, to contact York road policing group on 0845 6060247.

Meanwhile, police are also appealing for information and witnesses after three people were injured when a car hit a telegraph pole in the early hours of yesterday.

The green Honda Accord saloon car left the road at the junction of New Road and Shirbutt Lane, in Hessay, and collided with the British Telecom pole, at about 1.40am. Three men were taken to York Hospital.

A 24-year-old passenger had to be cut free from the vehicle by firefighters. He remains in a "serious" condition in hospital.

A 31-year-old man and an 18-year-old man were also taken to hospital for treatment to less serious injuries. One of the men was discharged yesterday morning but the other was kept in for observation.

Police would like to speak to any witnesses or anyone who may have seen the vehicle in the area around the time of the crash.

Anyone with information is asked to phone TC Stamp, of York Police, on 0845 6060247.