Updated: A MOTORCYCLIST has died after a crash near York city centre.

The man, in his 30s, was riding a Yamaha 600 machine along Layerthorpe at about 11.30am yesterday when he lost control and hit a blue post at the side of the road.

Traffic Sergeant Hamish Halloway, who attended the scene, said the motorcyclist had suffered serious head injuries in the accident.

He was taken to York Hospital, where he died.

TS Halloway said the man was riding along Layerthorpe from the junction with Foss Islands Road, when he clipped the kerb and hit the post.

TS Halloway said: “A member of the public came across to assist with the rider, who was not breathing, and initiated CPR. Paramedics then attended and took over.”

The road was closed from the time of the incident to allow officers from North Yorkshire Police’s collision investigation to photograph and look into the scene of the crash.

Traffic was diverted along James Street and Foss Islands Road, leading to lengthy delays before it reopened at 4pm.

TS Halloway urged anyone who had seen the rider prior to the incident to get in touch.

He said: “We particularly want to speak to anyone who was at the junction of Layerthorpe and Foss Islands Road at about 11.30am.

“We believe he came to the front of the traffic then accelerated away when the lights changed.”

TS Halloway said the cause of the incident was unknown, but it was not believed to be due to the motorcycle’s speed or the heavy winds during the day.

Anyone with information should phone Traffic Constable 1527 Ian McKenzie on 0845 6060247, quoting reference number NYP-29112011-0132.