A motorcyclist has died in a collision involving three other cars in Moray.
Police said the accident happened on the A98 Fochaber to Cullen road, near to Deer Park Forest Walk, in Fochabers, at about 6.40pm yesterday.
The crash involved a blue and white Suzuki GSXR motor cycle, a silver Vauxhall Astra, a red Audi A3, and a black Vauxhall Corsa.
Police have appealed for anyone who may have seen the vehicles involved before the crash to come forward.
Sgt Peter Henderson said: “At this time our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.
“I would urge anyone who may have seen these vehicles prior to the collision, or anyone who saw the incident itself, and has not yet spoken to police to get in contact by calling 101.”
The man, who has not been named, is thought to have been heading towards Buckie when he collided with three cars travelling along the opposing carriageway on a stretch
between Fochabers and Mill of Tynet.
Debris was left scattered across the road, with the wing mirrors torn from some of the cars and a silver Vauxhall Corsa had its windscreen caved in.
Fochabers Lhanbryde councillor and convener of Moray Council Shona Morrison last night offered her condolences to those affected by the “awful tragedy”.
She said: “My heartfelt thoughts are with the family of this poor motorcyclist.
“We don’t know all the details surrounding this accident, but it is a twisty stretch of road with lots of turns and you can see how crashes like this could possibly happen.
“I hope this will encourage people to exercise caution when driving in any conditions.”
The crash took place at 6.45pm near the Clochan junction, a mile-and-a-half from the Fochabers roundabout linking the A98 with the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road.
The silver Vauxhall Astra, red Audi A3, and black Vauxhall Corsa involved remained on the road following the crash as investigations into the incident took place.
The motorbike came to rest in bushes next to the eastbound carriageway.
The A98 was closed at the Fochabers roundabout and at Mill of Tynet.
Stagecoach warned customers about delays to its 35 and 38 services, as traffic was diverted towards Keith via the B1916 road and then on to the A96 to reach Fochabers.
Police have urged anyone who may have seen these vehicles prior to the collision, or anyone who saw the incident itself, to get in touch on 101 and quote incident number 3447 of August 31.