A MOTORCYCLIST has been left with serious injuries after a crash involving a white van on a stretch of the A61, last night.

The crash, which happened on the road north of Melmerby Green Lane in North Yorkshire, took place at around 9pm.

The motorcyclist, a 22-year-old from Ripon, reportedly suffered serious injuries and was taken to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The driver of the van, a man from the North-East was said to be uninjured.

Officers investigating confirmed the motorcyclist had been travelling towards Ripon, while a white Ford van was travelling towards Junction 50 on the A1M when they collided.

The affected road was closed for several hours while the emergency services attended the scene, diversions were in place until the early hours of Thursday morning.

Police said they had now launched a dash-cam footage appeal, and an appeal for motorists who may have witnessed the crash to come forward.

It is thought the driver of a HGV that had been spotted travelling along the A61 towards the A1M at the time may have witnessed the crash.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or may have information or dash cam footage, which could help with the investigation.

"Please call 101 and quote 12190217823, or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."