THE Environment Agency is investigating after a lorry carrying a trailer full of liquid tar overturned in to a pub car park on the North York Moors.

Motorists endured lengthy delays on the A169 Pickering to Whitby road at Sleights after an articulated tractor unit carrying road resurfacing materials ran out of control on Blue Bank.

The vehicle overturned into the car park of The Plough Inn, Coach Road, spilling 100 gallons of tar, 100 gallons of diesel and more than 200 gallons of hydraulic fluid.

Driver Philip Baxter, of Grimsby, was today in Scarborough Hospital after suffering back injuries in the crash, which demolished a telegraph pole and damaged three cars.

Acting Sergeant Dave Hasty, of North Yorkshire Police, said the trailer was carrying bitumen emulsion for resurfacing work being carried out by North Yorkshire County Council.

He said: "The load was spilt and the bitumen had to be contained to prevent it entering the local water courses and drains."

Two heavy cranes were brought in to lift the tractor and trailer from the accident scene.

The road was cleared at about 4pm, seven hours after the crash.

Firefighters from three separate stations attended the incident and used special pads to soak up the spillage.

Any witnesses are asked to phone TC Dave Burlingame, of North Yorkshire Police, on 01723 509555.

Officers are particularly keen to speak to a man, believed to be employed by Yorkshire Water, who stopped to offer help immediately after the crash.

Updated: 10:22 Tuesday, June 17, 2003