A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a horror crash which saw his bike become a fireball.

Dominic Lee, 49, of Trawden, was on the A65 Skipton Road, near Skipton, when his motorcycle collided with a grey Hyundai car.

Police said Mr Lee’s blue motorbike burst into flames after the impact, close to the junction of the A6131, at around 9.20pm on Wednesday.

An appeal has now been launched to find a passerby who doused the flames because police believe he may hold vital clues about the incident.

Yesterday a witness appeal sign marked the scene of the crash.

Sergeant Pete Stringer said: "It is important that the man who helped at the scene comes forward as he could be a key witness.

“I urge him and anyone else who can help with our enquiries to make contact with the police as soon as possible.”

The passerby is known to have used a fire extinguisher on the bike but he left after the emergency services arrived.

Police said Mr Lee, of Colne Road, was seriously injured in the crash and taken to Leeds General Infirmary, where he later died.

Sgt Stringer also issued a general appeal for anyone who may have driving through the area, part of a well-used route between North Yorkshire and Lancashire, to come forward.

The officer, or his colleague Pc Paul Cockerill, can be contacted on 01904 618691, quoting the incident reference number 12130069370.