Four people are in hospital with spine injuries after the car they were travelling in hit a tree. 

The incident happened at about 11.35pm on Tuesday (February 20) in Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon. 

The car involved, a Vauxhall Astra, is said to have left the road and crashed into a tree. 

Emergency services attended the scene, including ambulances, fire service and police, with the road closed for around an hour to allow the emergency services to work at the scene. 

Four people were taken to hospital with suspected spine injuries.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Ripon, Masham and Bedale attended a single vehicle RTC where a Vauxhall Astra impacted a tree.

"Of the four occupants in the vehicle, three were extricated by crews via a full door and roof removal.

"All four casualties were taken to hospital via ambulance with suspected C-spine injuries.

"Crews used lighting, stabilisation equipment, small tools, hydraulic spreaders/cutters and sharps protection.

"The incident was then left in the hands of North Yorkshire Police."