A HIT-and-run driver left a cyclist dead and another seriously injured on a North Yorkshire road early today.

The two cyclists, both men and from the Harrogate area, were found lying by the roadside on the A658 at North Rigton, near Harrogate, at 12.15am.

One of the men had died at the scene and the other was taken to Harrogate District Hospital suffering serious back, neck, shoulder and hip injuries.

North Yorkshire Police spokesman Ron Johnson said: "The cyclists would appear to have been travelling back from Otley towards Harrogate when they were struck by an unknown vehicle which did not stop at the scene.

"The driver of the vehicle involved is requested to come forward and assist police with their enquiries."

He said it was likely the vehicle involved in the crash would have suffered some damage, and he appealed to anyone who had any information on a recently-damaged vehicle or who saw the cyclists heading back towards Harrogate to call police in Harrogate on 01423 539474.

Updated: 10:16 Thursday, August 23, 2001