Hit-and-run rider hunt

Police are holding a press conference on Wednesday June 1 appealing for help in tracing a hit-and-run rider.

One rider – Ralph Snowden, 66, from York, died in the incident. His had been riding one of three bikes travelling towards Stokesley on the B1257 in Yorkshire. A fourth bike, travelling in the opposite direction, was in collision with his bike at about 4.50pm on Saturday May 28.

The fourth bike, the one travelling towards Helmsley, did not stop at the scene. It is described as a large red sports bike and the rider was wearing a dark blue or black crash helmet.

During the course of the accident, another of the bikes was in collision with a Volkswagen car travelling towards Stokesley. The rider received serious, but not life-threatening, injuries and was taken to James Cook Memorial Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Police are appealing for witnesses, and any information about the rider who failed to stop.

There is a strong possibility that his bike may be damaged and police are also appealing for any motorcycle repairers/dealers to contact them if they are presented with a damaged large red sports bike.

At 6pm that day, a red Ducati was seen travelling very slowly near the Jinnah Restaurant on the A64 between York and Malton. The rider was wearing a black crash helmet. Police are appealing for that rider to contact them to be elminated from their inquiries.

Anyone who can help should call 01723 509555.