A MOTORCYCLIST who died in a hit-and-run crash was forced off the road by a "dangerous" biker who was riding on the wrong side of a bend, police have revealed.

A senior detective said the death of Ralph Snowdon was being treated as an unlawful killing, and debris from the crash scene was being examined in the hunt for the other rider involved.

Mr Snowdon, 67, of Riccall, died on Saturday after another motorcyclist forced him off the road and then sped off, on the B1257 Helmsley to Stokesley road.

Yesterday, his heartbroken daughter, Mandy Snowdon, made an emotional plea for anybody who knew the mystery motorcyclist to contact the police.

On Tuesday, the Evening Press exclusively reported an appeal by Mandy, when she begged for help to find the motorcyclist.

At the press conference, Mandy, 39, of Dringhouses, York, broke down as she told of the pain she and her 12-year-old daughter, Danielle Snowdon-Russell, were going through.

"My dad was very much loved by everybody," she said.

"I feel lost. I feel lonely and I've been robbed of my dad.

"Somebody out there must know who this person is so please, please just come forward."

Detective Superintendent Barry Honeysett said the man or woman they were looking for was a "dangerous" and "reckless" rider.

"From the information we have at present, Ralph Snowdon was forced off the road by someone who rode at a speed and in a manner that would shock motorcyclists and other drivers alike," he said.

"The riding showed a complete disregard for the safety of other road users, especially motorcyclists because they are more vulnerable."

Det Supt Honeysett said the other motorcycle was being driven on a racing line through a right hand bend, and was on the wrong side of the road when it collided with Mr Snowdon - so much so that it actually passed between Mr Snowdon and the kerb.

Witnesses say the motorcyclist, who was riding a large red sports motorcycle and wearing a dark helmet, slowed after the collision before quickly accelerating and driving off. Det Supt Honeysett said the accident was a subject of "hot debate" among bikers in the area.

A dedicated police team has been set up to investigate the incident and visit spots popular with bikers, including the British Superbike Championships at Croft this weekend.

He said: "People recognise that whoever was riding this motorcycle is a danger to everybody.

"Ralph Snowdon was a motorcycle enthusiast who was doing nothing more than enjoying a ride out and who lost his life as a result of outrageous riding by somebody else."

Anyone with information should phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247.

Updated: 10:01 Thursday, June 02, 2005