Driver dies during land speed record attempt at airfield

A driver has died during a British land speed record attempt.

A full investigation is to take place into the circumstances of the incident at Elvington Airfield to the east of York on Thursday afternoon.

North Yorkshire Police said they were called out to a “serious collision” at the airfield shortly after 4.30pm.

A spokesman said that officers and the ambulance service were at the scene.

He added: “Please do not try to access the airfield at this time.”

A Motorsport UK spokesman said: “Further information will be provided once the initial findings of the investigation are available.

“Our thoughts are with the driver’s family, who have been informed, the organisers of the event, and other members of the motorsport community present.”

Motorsport UK said that it was working with the event organiser and North Yorkshire Police on the investigation.

Elvington Airfield was the scene of a crash involving former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond in 2006.

The 50-year-old was left in a coma for two weeks and with brain injuries after crashing a jet-powered car.

The privately-owned venue, which is an active airfield, is also a facility for driving, driver training, filming and other testing purposes for professional organisations.