Thursday 31 May 2018 10:42, UK
Superbike rider Dan Kneen has died following a crash at the Isle of Man TT, race organisers have confirmed.
The 30-year-old suffered fatal injuries at the Churchtown section during the Superbike practice session on Wednesday.
Kneen had been riding in the Superbike class for the Northern Ireland based Tyco BMW team.
Team manager Philip Neil said: "We are all numb at the minute if I'm honest. Our thoughts are with Dan's family and friends.
"He was a popular, hard-working lad who loved his racing and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
Kneen, from Onchan in the Isle of Man, had considerable experience at the event having previously ridden for several other teams at both the TT and Manx Grand Prix.
The organisers of the Isle of Man TT said in a statement on Wednesday: "ACU Events Ltd wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Dan's partner Leanne, his family and his many friends in the road racing community and beyond."
Another rider, Steve Mercer, was airlifted to hospital on Wednesday night following a crash involving a safety car.
Mercer was airlifted to Noble's Hospital and race organisers have confirmed they have launched an investigation into the incident.
A statement read: "We can confirm that a rider was involved in a collision with a course car at Ballacrye during [last night's] qualifying session at the Isle of Man TT Races.
"The rider has been taken by airmed to Noble's Hospital. This followed an earlier incident during the Superbike session at Churchtown which the course car was attending."
