POLICE have named the man killed in a road collision involving a campervan conversion and a Peugeot car.

The incident near Ingleton last Friday (July 13) was followed by a police pursuit which ended when a decommissioned ambulance – which had driven off from the scene of the fatal accident – crashed into the level crossing at Kildwick.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "The man who died was Joseph Michael Keane, aged 28, from Billinge near Wigan, Lancashire. Joe was a passenger in the Peugeot."

A tribute to Mr Keane released by his family says: "It's not possible to describe just how much Joe was loved by his mum and dad, sister, girlfriend and all his family and friends.

"He was such a kind, considerate loving person and we have been privileged to have had him in our lives for 28 years.

"He had a lovely dry, warm sense of humour which endeared him to whomever was lucky enough to have been in his presence.

"His passions in life were for his family and friends and a love of books.

"He hated social injustice and advocated for people who were least able to help themselves. His loss has left us bereft and the only comfort we have is being surrounded by the people who loved him most.

"He was such a special, beautiful person. We have been enriched by his presence and the pain of his loss means our lives will never be the same again."

The campervan conversion driver who was arrested at the scene has been released while under investigation to allow for further enquiries.

The fatal collision happened on the A65 between Clapham and Ingleton, just north of the turn off to Bentham, at 4.15pm last Friday.

A white, flatbed truck, which was converted into a campervan, was travelling towards Ingleton and collided with the Peugeot.

Police are appealing to anyone with any dash-cam footage or who saw either the converted campervan or the decommissioned ambulance travelling along the A65 prior to the crash and to anyone who witnessed the crash, to contact them.

The North Yorkshire Police spokesman added: "The converted campervan was distinctive due to the crudeness of its conversion which is described as a flatbed truck turned into a camper.

"Anyone with information should contact us on 101, select option 2 and ask for traffic sergeant Hamish Halloway or TC Gemma Brett.

"Or they can e-mail Hamish.halloway@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or gemma.brett@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk Quote reference 12180126976."

The A65 was closed while emergency services dealt with the crash, to allow collision investigators to examine the scene, and to allow the road to be cleared. It did not re-open fully until 8.30am the following day. (July 14)

The police spokesman said: "In a separate incident, the driver of a decommissioned ambulance has been charged with offences after this vehicle left the scene of the fatal collision.

"He's due to appear at Skipton Magistrates' Court on August 17. He is not under investigation for the fatal collision.

"He has been charged with the following in relation to a police pursuit and collision after the decommissioned ambulance collided with a level crossing in Kildwick: Dangerous driving; Driving while disqualified; Failing to stop for the police; Failing to provide a specimen for analysis; Obstructing a railway; Driving without insurance."

The decommissioned ambulance driver was a 41-year-old man from Halifax. The level crossing crash caused major disruption on the Aire Valley Line between Keighley and Skipton. Train services were suspended until well into the evening.