A MOTORCYCLIST has died and a driver is fighting for his life after a head-on crash on a road near Selby.

The collision, involving a black Honda CBF600F motorbike and a black Ford Focus which were travelling in opposite directions, happened at about 5.20pm on Sunday on Birkin Lane in Birkin, near Knottingley.

The 44-year-old motorcyclist, from Snaith, who was heading towards Byram-cum-Sutton from the direction of Birkin, was pronounced dead at the scene and has yet to be named.

He was travelling with a second Honda motorcycle which was not involved in the incident.

The 18-year-old driver of the Focus, who is from Normanton, West Yorkshire, is in a critical, but stable condition in Leeds General Infirmary, while two passengers who were also in the car were treated for minor injuries.

The road was closed for more than six hours after the collision.

Traffic Constable Martin Hayes said: “I am appealing for anybody who witnessed this tragic collision, which has left one man dead and another fighting for his life, to contact us as a matter of urgency.”

Anybody who saw the crash or either of the vehicles beforehand should phone Tadcaster police station on 0845 6060 247.