POLICE are hunting a hit- and-run biker after an accident in which a motorcyclist from the York area was killed.

A second rider in the dead man's group was seriously hurt in another accident in the area at about the same time.

The 66-year-old hit-and-run victim, who has not yet been named but is from the Riccall area, was killed after his machine was in collision with a red sports bike at about 4.50pm on Saturday.

He was one of three motorcyclists travelling towards Stokesley when the accident happened on the B1257 as they were overtaking a Volkswagen car, about a quarter-of-a-mile from the village of Chop Gate.

The crash involved a fourth motorcyclist who was travelling in the opposite direction, towards Helmsley. A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said this rider did not stop following the collision.

The 66-year-old died at the scene, which was on a route which is popular with motorcyclists. Flowers were left at the spot where the accident happened, with fellow bikers Steve and Shaz leaving a poignant message which said: "Rest in peace. Ride safe in heaven".

Another motorcyclist in the group suffered serious injuries after he was in collision with a blue Volkswagen car at about the same time as the accident. He was taken to James Cook Hospital, in Middlesbrough, where his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

Saturday's accident was the second major crash this month on the B1257 road.

In the earlier accident, police closed the route after two motorcyclists were seriously hurt. Both motorcyclists had serious head and chest injuries and were taken to hospital, one by air ambulance.

The Helmsley to Stokesley road, dubbed the Helmsley TT because of its popularity among bikers, has been the scene of a number of biker deaths in recent years.

A campaign, Bilsdale Against Noise and Danger, was set up to lobby for a reduced speed limit and speed cameras on the road.

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for anyone with information about Saturday's accident, or who saw the motorcyclists beforehand to contact them.

Officers have also appealed to any dealers who may have been asked to repair a red sports motorcycle to come forward. The road was shut for seven-and-a-half hours as police accident investigators pieced together what had happened.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Sergeant Neil Campbell or Traffic Constable Andy Woodburn, of the eastern area road policing group, on 01723 509555.

Updated: 08:53 Monday, May 30, 2005