Ripon school ‘heartbroken’ over death of six-year-old pupil

A Ripon school has said it is “heartbroken” over the death of six-year-old pupil Ihor Bartienieva in a three-vehicle crash last weekend.

Ihor and his mother Daria Bartienieva, 35, and Daria’s step-daughter, Anastasiia Bartienieva, 15, were killed in a collision that involved a double decker bus.

All three were from Ukraine and living in Ripon.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened on the A61 between South Stainley and Ripley at about 2.20pm on Sunday.

The Federation of Holy Trinity Schools has issued a statement which said staff and pupils “were heartbroken to learn of the tragic death” of infant school pupil Ihor on their return to school this week. It added:

“Ihor joined our year 1 class after arriving from Ukraine with his mum and sister and he soon became a popular member of the Trinity community.

“Ihor had boundless energy and enthusiasm; pupils were drawn to his chatty, charismatic character.”

Tracey Calland-Booke, Ihor’s year 1 class teacher, said:

“Ihor will be remembered by his classmates as a funny, chatty little boy who was loved by us all. We were all in awe of this little spark of joy who really brought something special to our class.”

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Executive headteacher Sue Sanderson said:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ihor’s family and friends. This devastating event has affected everyone within our community, and we are all now attempting to come to terms with our loss together.

“Staff and pupils have visited the poignant reflection space created by Holy Trinity Church to light a candle, say a prayer and share our happy memories of such a special little boy and his family. We will continue to seek support and comfort in our church and school community.”

£20,000 raised for surviving Liza

A fundraising appeal has now raised more than £20,000 for Daria’s sole remaining daughter, Liza, who was not involved in the collision.

Business have been rallying round to support the cause, with the city’s Black Swan pub on Westgate holding a fundraising event on Saturday.

The event, which starts at 2.30pm, will include live music by Freddie Clearly and a raffle. Further details are here.

Police name victims of fatal A61 crash near Ripon

The victims of a fatal crash on the A61 near Ripon have been named by police.

Daria Bartienieva, 35, her son, Ihor Bartienieva, aged 6, and Daria’s step-daughter, Anastasiia Bartienieva, 15, died after a three-vehicle crash that involved a double decker bus on Ripon Road near South Stainley at 2.20pm on Sunday (September 3).

It was the second fatal collision on the road between Ripon and Harrogate on consecutive weekends.

A North Yorkshire Police statement this afternoon added:

“All three were from Ukraine and living in Ripon, North Yorkshire, at the time of the collision.

“Our thoughts are with their family members in the UK and Ukraine at this time.”

Holy Trinity Church in Ripon was open this afternoon for people to say prayers and light candles for the victims of the crash.

The church said in a post online:

“A space has been created where people can sit quietly, light a candle and write in a condolence book.

“There will be someone available to pray with you if you would like this.

“If you do come please keep quiet at this sensitive time.”

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Two children and woman killed in collision between Ripon and Harrogate

Three people, including two children, were killed in a collision on the main road between Harrogate and Ripon yesterday.

A silver Vauxhall Meriva, a blue Toyota Aygo and a double-decker bus were involved in the incident near South Stainley at 2.20pm yesterday.

It was the second fatal collision on the A61 Ripon Road between Ripon and Harrogate on consecutive weekends.

North Yorkshire Police today said a woman and two children from the same vehicle died and appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage. Their names have not yet been revealed.

The force said in a statement:

“The Vauxhall and Toyota were travelling south towards Ripley and the bus was travelling in the opposite direction.

“Sadly, all three occupants of the Vauxhall Meriva, a woman in her 30s, a teenage girl and a six-year-old boy, died following the collision. Their next of kin have been informed and are receiving specialist support.

“The driver of the bus was taken to hospital with leg injuries, some of the bus passengers sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital, and the two people in the Toyota were not injured.”

The road was closed to allow all emergency services to attend to the collision and for investigators to examine the scene. It reopened at around 11.30pm.

Officers are appealing to anyone who saw any of the vehicles prior to the collision or witnessed the collision to get in touch if they have not already spoken to officers.

They are also appealing to anyone who may have dashcam footage of the vehicles travelling along the A61 prior to the collision or of the collision itself, to get in touch.

You can email Julie.brown@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and pass information for incident 12230166439.

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Witness appeal after person hit by car in Ripon

A person has been injured after being struck by a car in Ripon city centre.

The incident happened on Fishergate this morning and the extent of the injuries is not yet known.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:

“Shortly after 11.30am today, police received a call from the ambulance service reporting that a person has been hit by a vehicle on Fishergate in Ripon.

“Officers are currently at the scene of the incident.”

North Yorkshire Police urged anyone with information to get in touch. The incident number is NYP-01092023-0161.

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Dashcam appeal after runner injured in collision with car in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information after a car collided with a runner in Harrogate.

The runner, who has not been named, suffered minor cuts and bruising.

The incident occurred on Knaresborough Road between the Prince of Wales roundabout and the Empress roundabout between 7.30am and 7:50am on Friday, August 25.

A police statement said:

“Police are now requesting the public’s assistance to help identify any possible witnesses, or anyone that may have dash cam footage of the collision.

“In particular, officers are appealing for information about the vehicle involved in the collision which is believed to be gold in colour.”

Anyone with information can email Joseph.Schramm@Northyorkshire.police.uk or dial 101, select option 2, and ask for Joseph Schramm.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference number 12230160877.

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Mother’s tribute to son, 18, who died in Harrogate district crash

A mother has paid tribute to her 18-year-old son who died in a car crash on the edge of the Harrogate district.

James Gomersall died in a collision on the B6265 near Score Ray Lane, between Whixley and Thorpe Underwood, on June 24.

Mr Gomersall, who was from Green Hammerton, was the front passenger in a blue Ford Focus when it collided with a silver Volkswagen Touran. He died at the scene.

Police issued a statement today in which Mr Gomersall’s mother described him as “truly amazing” and a caring brother to his four siblings.

She said:

“James was truly amazing in everything he did, he shone like the sun! He was so helpful around the house and would do anything for friends and neighbours and never expected anything in return.

“He leaves three brothers and a sister, two of whom have severe learning difficulties. He had so much care in him and so much patience. He was an amazing big brother; the best you could get, and they miss him so much.

“He loved animals; turtles, fish, cats and especially his dogs which he used to walk for miles, they too are missing him, waiting at the door for him to come home.”

She added:

“James had just got his first proper job and I was so proud of him but unfortunately, he never got the chance to start. There are so many things that James will never be able to experience; my beautiful boy taken far too soon at only 18.

“He was his dad’s right-hand man and he was my best friend, being without him is very painful and a piece of us all has died with him. Our family are devastated, and our hearts are truly broken, we will never be the same again.

“He is a ray of light in the dark, he is the rainbows in the sky, he is the warmth from the sun, he is everything, he was our world and so much more. He was just a brilliant man all round. They say God only takes the best.”

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An inquest into Mr Gomersall’s death opened on July 12. It was adjourned for a full hearing at a later date.

North Yorkshire Police has reissued an appeal for any witnesses to the crash to come forward.

A force statement added:

“Police are urging anyone who saw the collision or either car involved prior to it to get in touch. They would also like to hear from anyone who may have relevant dashcam footage.

“Anyone with information is asked to email PC Julie Brown Julie.Brown@northyorkshire.police.uk or phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Julie Brown. 

“Please quote reference number 12230116638 when passing information.”

Teenager dies after crash at crossroads

A teenager has died after a car crash on the edge of the Harrogate district at the weekend.

The collision happened at 2.15pm on Saturday on the B6265 at the crossroads between Whixley and Thorpe Underwood, south of Boroughbridge.

It involved a blue Ford Focus and a silver Volkswagen Touran.

An 18-year-old man, who was a passenger in the Ford, died as a result of the collision. He has not been named.

Six other occupants of both vehicles were taken to hospital with injuries.

North Yorkshire Police have urged witnesses to come forward.

A force statement today said:

“Police are urging anyone who saw the collision or either car involved prior to it to get in touch. They would also like to hear from anyone who may have relevant dashcam footage.

“Anyone with information is asked to email PC Julie Brown. Julie.Brown@northyorkshire.police.uk or phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Julie Brown. Please quote reference number 12230116638 when passing information.”

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Harrogate schoolboys crash: man appears in court

A man appeared in court today charged with causing serious injuries to two Harrogate schoolboys while driving.

Benjamin Oakes, 46, of Tewit Well Avenue in Harrogate, is accused of careless / inconsiderate driving of a Vauxhall Astra on Yew Tree Lane on February 2 this year.

Two 15-year-old Rossett School students, who were walking to school at the time, had to be rushed to hospital following a collision, which occurred at 8.46am.

Today’s brief hearing at Harrogate Magistrates Court was adjourned when it emerged Mr Oakes was only made aware of proceedings yesterday due to a postal problem.

Prosecuting, Melanie Ibbotson said the papers involved in the case were “extensive” and she had no objection to the defence lawyer’s request for an adjournment.

The case is now due to be heard in Harrogate on August 11, when Mr Oakes is expected to enter a plea.

Mr Oakes (left) leaving court today.

 

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Man charged over collision that seriously injured two Harrogate teenagers

A man has been charged in connection with a collision on Yew Tree Lane in Harrogate that left two teenagers seriously injured.

The 15-year-old Rossett School students who were walking to school at the time, were taken to hospital following the collision at 8.46am on February 2.

Benjamin Oakes, 46, of Tewit Well Avenue, Harrogate has been charged with two counts of causing serious injury by careless driving in a Vauxhall Astra.

He is due to appear at Harrogate Magistrates Court this morning.

Police said a second man who was interviewed under caution will face no further action.

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Taxi driver killed in crash near Harewood Bridge

A man died in a crash near Harewood Bridge that led to the closure of the A61 for more than 12 hours yesterday.

Police said today the man, who has not been named, was a taxi driver in his 40s.

He died at the scene of the crash, which occurred at about 1.20am yesterday morning on the A61 Harrogate Road at Dunkeswick. The road reopened at 3.20pm.

North Yorkshire Police is now appealing for witnesses to the collision, which involved a grey BMW and a black Peugeot taxi.

It said in a statement today:

“Sadly, the driver of the taxi, a man in his 40s died at the scene. His family have been informed and are receiving support form specially trained officers.

“The driver of the BMW, a man in his 20s remains in hospital.

“The stretch of road was closed until 3.20pm on Sunday afternoon to allow officers to investigate the scene.

Anyone who saw the collision or has dashcam footage is urged to dial 101, select option 2 and ask for Steve Hawkins.

Alternatively, you can email DC 55 Steve Hawkins on Steve.Hawkins@northyorkshire.police.uk

Quote reference number 12230111568 when passing information.

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