A MALTON man has been arrested following a crash on a main route through North Yorkshire in which a woman died.

The woman, who was in her early seventies, and has not been named by police, was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash on the A1 in the early hours of this morning (October 18).

North Yorkshire Police say she was a passenger in a Land Rover, and the driver of the same car, also in his early seventies, was taken to hospital.

The force say that his injuries are 'serious but not believed to be life- threatening'.

The A1 re-opened to traffic shortly before noon, having been shut shortly after the accident which happened at about 2.20am on the southbound carriage way near Leeming Bar.

Police say the crash involved a Blue Ford Fiesta, a Grey Ford Puma and a black Land Rover Defender and they are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

A 22-year-old man from Malton has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, drink driving and drug driving. He remains in custody at this time.

A police spokesman said: "Anyone who witnessed the collision, has any Dashcam footage, or who was travelling in the area at the time is asked to save and preserve any footage and contact police.

"Dial 101, press 2 and ask to speak to PC1073 Sarah Burton or email sarah.burton@northyorkshire.police.uk.

"Please quote reference number 12210223751 when passing on any information."