North Yorkshire Police are appealing for two cyclists to come forward following a fatal road traffic collision near Northallerton.
The single vehicle collision occurred on the A167, between North Otterington and South Otterington, close to Newsham Grange at around 10pm on Monday 1 August 2011 .
A silver Vauxhall Corsa, which was travelling from Northallerton to Thirsk with a silver Citroen Saxo and a black Renault Clio, left the road and collided with a tree.
A 20-year-old woman from Barnard Castle, County Durham, who was driving the Corsa, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 20-year-old man from Stockton-on-Tees, who was the front seat passenger, suffered serious injuries which are not thought to be life-threatening. He was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where he remains in a stable condition.
The 18-year-old man, from Northallerton, driving the Clio and the 20-year-old man from Bagby near Thirsk, driving the Saxo, were arrested in connection with the incident. They have been released on bail while police enquiries continue.
It is believed that the cars had travelled from Thirsk to Northallerton earlier in the evening, and at the time of the collision were en route back to Thirsk.
Traffic Constable Martin Mulcaster, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group, said: “This is a tragic incident which has resulted in the death of a young woman and left a young man with serious injuries in hospital.
“it is vitally important that any witnesses come forward top assist the investigation.
“I am particularly keen to speak with two pedal cyclists who were on the A167 between South Otterington and Northallerton at around the time of the collision, and the drivers of cars that had been held up at the railway crossing on Boroughbridge Road shortly prior to the incident. I believe that they may have vital information about the manner of driving of the vehicles that could help with this enquiry.
“I would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen the group of vehicles travelling between Thirsk and Northallerton earlier in the evening.”
If you can assist with this investigation please contact TC Martin Mulcaster on 0845 60 60 24 7 quoting reference number 12110128651. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
