A 73-YEAR-OLD motorcyclist was airlifted to hospital with serious head injuries following a crash on the North York Moors.

Police are now appealing for witnesses following the collision on Saturday. In particular, officers would like to trace two men who stopped at the scene and helped to lift the motorcycle, but then carried on their journey.

The crash happened shortly after 6pm. The motorcyclist, who was riding a blue BMW 1100 RT, was travelling towards Castleton on the road between Hutton-le-Hole and Castleton.

The rider, who is from the local area, hit the grass verge and came off his bike, suffering serious head and chest injuries.

He was airlifted to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

The collision happened about one-and-a-half miles north of the Farndale junction towards Blakey Ridge.

Two other vehicles, a silver Ford Fusion and a blue-green Fiat Punto were involved in the incident, although at this stage, police say there is no evidence to suggest any contact between any of the vehicles.

Traffic Constable Richard Hammond, the investigating officer in the case, said: “It’s very important that we trace any witnesses to the collision, in particular the two good Samaritans who stopped to help at the scene prior to the police’s arrival.

"The route is popular with bikers and tourists and we appeal to anyone who was in the area on Saturday evening and either witnessed the collision or saw the vehicles prior to the incident, to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact TC Hammond on 0845 6060247.

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.