POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist was killed in an accident on the A396 near Wheddon Cross on Wednesday evening.

Officers are particularly keen to trace the driver of a blue Ford Fiesta or Focus which was being overtaken by the motorcyclist at the time of the collision.

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesman said the Ford driver stopped at the scene but then left without leaving contact details.

He said the victim had been riding with another motorcyclist on the A396 towards the B3224 at 6pm:

"The rider was overtaking a car when he was involved in a collision with a Ford Transit van travelling in the opposite direction.

"Unfortunately the rider received serious injuries and died at the scene.

"The vehicle being overtaken – believed to be a blue Ford Fiesta or Focus - stopped at the scene but the driver left without leaving any contact details.

"We would like to speak to that driver, and anyone else who witnessed the collision."

Police are investigating the circumstances of the collision and anyone who can help with their inquiries should contact the collision investigation unit on 101.