Shocked motorists watched as a man walking along a busy road was involved in a fatal collision.

A number of concerned drivers had called police after seeing Gareth Butterfield on the carriageway of the A629 Skipton to Cross Hills road.

But before officers could respond, the 20-year-old -- from Ash Street, in Cross Hills -- was involved in an accident close to the Kildwick roundabout.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "An investigation has been launched and, at the moment, we do not know why he was walking in the carriageway."

He said the accident occurred at around 11.10pm on Friday and he appealed for witnesses to come forward.

The motorist, who was driving a Nissan Micra, was taken to Airedale Hospital suffering from shock but was later discharged, said the spokesman.

The man, from the Silsden area, was not injured and has not been charged with any offence, he added.

The spokesman said officers investigating the incident wanted to hear from any drivers who were passing the area at the time of the incident.

"We are appealing to people who might have seen him walking in the carriageway beforehand or who might have witnessed the accident scene afterwards.

"We have spoken to a number of people but obviously the investigation is on-going." And he said: "At the moment this appears to be a tragic accident."

Anyone with information should phone (01423) 539464 and leave a message and contact number for traffic constables Andy Stow or Brian Trickett.