A 65-year-old cyclist was taken to hospital yesterday with serious head injuries after a hit and run accident.

The injured man and a 34-year-old friend were hurt when a car ploughed into their bikes on a roundabout at Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Police say it is not yet clear whether the car struck both bikes or whether it hit the younger man, shunting him into the path of the other cycle.

The 65-year-old, who has not yet been named but is understood to come from the Burley-in-Wharfedale area, was taken to Airedale General Hospital after the accident on the A65/A660 roundabout shortly before 10am. The man, who was not wearing a cycle helmet, was seriously hurt, but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

His friend, a regular cycling companion who is also believed to be a neighbour, escaped with minor abrasions and did not go to hospital.

Now police are appealing for witnesses in a bid to catch the hit and run driver who sped off leaving his victim lying in the road.

Police spoke to three witnesses at the scene and are now trying to trace at least two other motorists who may have vital information.

PC Dave Watson, of Keighley road traffic department, said: "At least two other cars sounded their horn at the offending driver to alert him to the fact that he had knocked these cyclists off.

"We know other people have witnessed it, and it may even be that someone has gone after the car and got the registration number."

Officers would like to speak to those motorists and to anyone else who may have any information about the car or the driver.

The accident happened as the two cyclists crossed the roundabout heading from Otley towards Ilkley. They were struck by a small dark hatchback, possibly T-reg and thought to be similar to a Micra or Corsa.

Police believe the car had driven around the roundabout from Ilkley before driving off along the A65 towards Menston.

PC Watson described the incident as 'potentially very nasty' and stressed: "Obviously accidents do happen - that is part and parcel of life. But you would like to think that when they do happen most people would react in the right manner, but this driver certainly hasn't."

He said the younger man had been conscious throughout the accident but had not been able to give much information because it had all happened so quickly.

The seriously-injured man had lost consciousness but had come round again by the time police arrived. It is understood he was later transferred to Leeds General Infirmary.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Watson or PC Barry Hartley on 01535 617047.