POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two people in their 70s died following a single vehicle collision near Skipton earlier today (Saturday).

The collision happened at 1.20pm on the A629 Western Bypass. It involved a dark red Vauxhall Grandland that was travelling south on the bypass in the direction of Keighley from the Gargrave Road roundabout.

A police spokesperson said: "The vehicle left the carriageway, collided with the bridge barrier and landed near to the canal on Broughton Road.

"Sadly the driver of the vehicle, a man in his 70s from West Yorkshire, was pronounced dead at the scene. The female passenger, also in her 70s, was taken to hospital in a critical condition, and was pronounced dead a short time later."

Police say their next of kin have been informed.

Both the bypass and Broughton Road were closed for some time following the incident.

Any witnesses to the collision or anyone with relevant dashcam footage is asked to contact TC 123 Geri Tunney at North Yorkshire Police, either via 101 or email geri.tunney@northyorkshire.police.uk. Quote reference number 12230200190.