Two motorcyclists lost their lives after a crash on a Ryedale road.

The bikers were heading south along the Keldholme to Amotherby road, near Kirkbymoorside.

Their red Kawasaki bike then left the road near a bend and collided with a tree.

A passing doctor from the Whitby area declared the male rider and his female pillion passenger dead at the scene. Ambulance staff also attended.

The man, in his mid-twenties, is believed to be from the Ryedale area, and his passenger is understood to be from Northumberland.

The road was closed for a time while police carried out inquiries.

It is believed the bikers were following another motorcycle at the time of the collision, but it is not known how close together they were.

Anyone who witnessed the incident at 3.45pm yesterday or who has any information is asked to ring PC Matt Knowles at Malton on 01723 509512.

In another indicent, four members of the same family - including two children - were taken to hospital following an accident on the A64 at Scagglethorpe, near Malton.

Their green Mitsubishi Shogun, which was travelling towards Scarborough, was in collision with a white Volvo 440 travelling in the same direction.

The family, who are believed to be from the Bradford area, were taken to Scarborough District Hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

The Volvo driver has been charged with drink-driving following the accident.

Updated: 10:27 Tuesday, May 29, 2001