THE York family of a man killed in a road accident in West Yorkshire have appealed for witnesses to come forward and help them understand how he died.

Gary Neal, 36, died when his Mercedes van was involved in a collision at the A1/A64 junction, at Bramham crossroads, on April 1.

But mystery surrounds the exact circumstances of the crash, and Gary's brother, Steve, from Heworth, is hoping people who saw the accident can provide some answers.

West Yorkshire Police have told Steve, and his parents, Dennis and Barbara, that the occupants of a second van may have witnessed the collision between Gary's van and an articulated lorry.

But details of the second van are sketchy and Steve is appealing to people who may have any information about the accident to contact police.

Steve said his family will be unable to rest until they have put together a picture of what happened.

Gary was born and bred in York, but lived in Ware, Hertfordshire, with his wife. He had been an apprentice upholsterer at British Rail, in York. He was a father of four children ranging from ten years of age down to one.

Steve said: "Gary was a smashing lad, he never had a bad word for anybody. He was a great father and would do anything for his kids. He had an awful lot of time for them.

"We are just looking for any information about the accident and hoping that anyone who saw it can come forward.

"We feel this appeal might just help to jog somebody's memory - someone who can help us. All we want to do is find out what happened to Gary."

Dennis said: "You have got to jog people's memories. It won't be possible for people to remember in six months or a year's time. We were distraught when Gary died. We want to find out what happened."

It is believed the second van had green writing on the back doors and along the sides. It is also thought to have had the outline of a chair on the back door.

Anyone with any information about the accident, which happened just after 1.30pm, should contact West Yorkshire Police Motorway Unit on 0845 6060606.

Updated: 12:04 Tuesday, May 27, 2003