Police in York are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a moped rider was seriously injured in a crash last night.

The 21-year-old man was riding an orange Aprilia moped into York along the A19 Shipton Road at about 5.40pm yesterday when it was in a collision with a black Ford Fiesta.

The rider, from Nether Poppleton, was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with serious head injuries, and is today said to be in a critical condition.

Neither the driver nor passenger in the Fiesta, both from York, were injured but the road was closed for four hours, and now police say they need to speak to anyone who can help with their accident investigation.

Traffic Constable Roger Walker said: “The collision happened at a busy time of day and I believe that there are a number of people who witnessed who have not yet contacted the police. I urge them to do so straight away.

“I also need to speak to you if you saw either vehicle prior to the incident and ask you to get in touch.”

Anyone who can help should contact York police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Roger Walker, or email roger.walker@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk quoting reference 12140004155.