A MAN was killed today in a two-car smash on a country road on the outskirts of York.

The man, in his early 20s, whom police believe had been living locally, died after the blue Ford Fiesta he was driving collided with a silver Vauxhall Astra.

The accident happened on the B1363, two miles north of Wigginton, at about 8.45am.

Sgt David Elders said he believed the dead man, the sole occupant of the Fiesta, was travelling towards Sutton-on-the-Forest when he appeared to lose control while negotiating a right-hand bend, and ended up on the other side of the road.

The car then collided with the Astra, which was travelling in the opposite direction.

Both female occupants of the Astra were taken by ambulance to York Hospital suffering from minor injuries.

After the impact, the Fiesta came to rest in the gateway of a farmer's field, and the Astra by the side of the road. Both vehicles were recovered by the police.

Two ambulances and six or seven police officers attended the scene.

Sgt David Elders said: "We are keeping an open mind as to what happened, there are any number of things that could have happened. We will be examining the vehicles for any mechanical defects. We have also found tyre marks on the road and we will notify the coroner in due course."

Diversions were put in place while tests were carried out. It was thought the road would be shut until about 2pm.

Anyone with any information about the crash should contact PC Brian Rogers on 01723 509555.

Updated: 14:05 Monday, June 09, 2003