A MOTORIST died when his car hit a tree after apparently going out of control on a country road north of Ripon.

Acting Sergeant Dave Hosney, of North Yorkshire Police, said the accident happened on the B6267 between the A1 and Thornborough at 8pm last night.

He said: "The accident involved a single vehicle, a maroon-coloured Ford Mondeo travelling towards Thornborough. The driver, who was the only occupant, appears to have lost control on a right-hand bend and the vehicle subsequently collided with a tree."

The driver's identity has yet to be confirmed, but he is believed to be a local man.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or saw the Ford Mondeo before the crash is urged to telephone the traffic unit at Harrogate police station on 01423 539312 and ask for PC Rob Roberts.

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