THE driver of a stolen private ambulance was killed after it collided with with a bus and a car in North Yorkshire.

Police have this morning revealed they were actively looking for the stolen emergency vehicle, which had been reported missing at about 8.10pm yesterday.

The collision happened at about 8.30pm on the A64 at the Flaxton junction, east of York. The ambulance was travelling east and the bus was travelling west.

The driver of the private ambulance, the only person in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the double-decker bus was taken to hospital with serious leg injuries, where he remains.

There were 16 passengers on the bus, five of whom were taken to hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

The third vehicle, as black Toyota Yaris, contained two people, one of whom was taken to hospital as a precaution.

The A64 was closed in both directions overnight. It reopened at about 6am this morning.

Sergeant Ian Pope, of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Investigation Team, said: “I am asking anyone who witnessed the incident, or any of the vehicles involved prior to the collision, to contact the police."

Witnesses should call North Yorkshire Police on 101, press option 1 and pass information to the Force Control Room. Alternatively, email mcit@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.