POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist was badly injured in an accident involving a car just outside Skipton on Bank Holiday Monday (May 7).

The male cyclist was with a friend travelling along the B6265 between Skipton and Rylstone on a long straight section of the road at about 10.30am when a passing car got too close to him.

The cyclist came off his bike, sustaining three broken vertebrae, a broken wrist and injuries to his face.

He was taken to Airedale Hospital for treatment.

Police say the cyclist was avoiding a green coloured car which could have been a Volkswagen Golf and which was travelling in the same direction towards Rylstone.

"Due to the car driving too closely, the cyclist took evasive action causing his bike to get stuck in a gavel rut at the side and he lost control. He came off his bike and hit a broken dry stone wall," said a spokesperson.

Police say although the cyclist has suffered serious injuries, he is expected to make a full recovery in time.

Anyone who saw the incident, or who may have seen the vehicles at the time, is asked to get in touch with police.

Anyone with any information should call the non emergency 101 number, select option two and ask for Jane Carpenter, or email: Jane.Carpenter@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk; alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote reference: NYP-07052018-0167