The driver of a lorry that overturned on a steep hill going into Otley was being treated for serious injuries in hospital last night.

The crash happened at 8.45am yesterday as the cement mixer was believed to have been heading towards the town centre on Newall Carr Road.

It rolled over shortly before the junction with The Gills, smashing into a lamppost, safety barrier and fencing and spilling concrete mix over the pavement and roadside gardens.

The man was airlifted by a Yorkshire Air Ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary, where he was in a serious condition.

No-one else was injured in the crash, and no other vehicles are thought to have been involved.

The road was closed in both directions to allow an urgent clean-up operation – to prevent the concrete setting – to take place.

Otley firefighters ensured the scene and the damaged vehicle were safe. Leeds City Council’s highways department began clearing the mess shortly afterwards but were asked to suspend the work while police investigations continued.