A driver was killed when her car collided with a tanker on country road near York.

The accident happened at about 9.10am yesterday when the 54-year-old woman’s black Rover 25 collided with an oil tanker on Sheriff Hutton Road in Strensall.

The woman, from the York area, was pronounced dead at the scene.

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for vital witnesses who passed the scene of the accident to come forward.

Traffic Sgt Hamish Halloway said: “It is believed that at least five vehicles drove past the scene of the collision at the time it occurred.

“I urge drivers of those vehicles to make contact with the police as they may have vital information that can help with our inquiries.

“Sadly, a woman has lost her life as a result of this collision and it is important that we establish exactly what happened.”

One eyewitness said the collision happened when the car tried to avoid a tractor which was using an extension arm to trim grass verges and crashed head-on into the tanker, which was heading in the opposite direction. He said the tanker was partially off the road, but had not caught fire.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire County Council said: "The county council closed the road with diversions on our side and City of York Council on theirs.

“The tractor was not involved in the work of either council."

The road was closed for more than five hours.

Anyone who can help officers is urged to phone TS Halloway on 101 or email hamish.halloway@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk