A MAN is in hospital with serious head injuries after he was hit by a lorry today, minutes after being involved in a separate accident.

The 35-year-old from Thirsk was driving south on the A19 early this morning when his black Ford Focus collided with a lorry. The car left the road and while the man was standing on the road about ten minutes later, he was hit by a second lorry.

The first accident happened near the junction for Kirby Sigston at about 1.10am and the second near the junction for Over Silton ten minutes later.

The driver of the first lorry did not stop at the scene but has been identified and will be interviewed, a North Yorkshire Police spokesman said.

The victim suffered a serious head injury and was taken to James Cook University Hospital, where he remains, police said. The road was closed until about 11am, with traffic diverted through Northallerton.

Traffic Sergeant Richard Parsons, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “I am asking anyone who witnessed either of the collisions to come forward and contact the police straight away.

“I also need to speak to anyone who was travelling on the A19 and may have seen the Ford Focus prior to the first collision or a pedestrian on the road at the time, and urge them to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone police on 101 or to email richard.parsons@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk