A police officer has died in a road accident while answering an emergency call.
The officer was killed when his patrol vehicle collided with a tree in the village of West Tanfield, near Ripon, at 7pm on Saturday, North Yorkshire Police said.
He was the only person in the vehicle when it crashed and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The village of West Tanfield, North Yorkshire
Temporary Chief Constable Tim Madgwick said: "This is terrible and tragic news and the thoughts of everyone at North Yorkshire Police are with the officer's family at this sad and very difficult time.
"The officer's immediate family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
"Everyone is shocked and saddened by the news of his death and I speak for every member of the force in extending our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues."
The road was closed for several hours last night as collision investigators examined the scene.
The Health and Safety Executive has also been informed and an investigation will be carried out into the cause of the collision, police said.
Anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the vehicle or witnessed the collision is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.