Crashes on Mountain Road as drivers ignore closure

Police spotted 4X4 vehicles driving near the Bungalow on the Mountain Road

Drivers are being warned to abide by road closures as there were two crashes on the Isle of Man's Mountain Road after it was shut.

The A18 route was closed because of wintry conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday amid snow and ice weather warnings.

Five vehicles ignored the closure and drove on the road on Wednesday evening, with two crashes, one arrest and four fines issued, the Isle of Man Constabulary said.

The force said the decision to close the road was not "taken lightly" and was "ultimately in the interest of public safety".

Motorists had earlier been warned to "consider whether your journey is necessary".

The force appealed to drivers, saying: "Please do not ignore the road closures, robust action will be taken against any persons found driving on closed roads."

The Mountain Road remains shut, with a new yellow weather warning issued by the Isle of Man Met Office from 12:00 GMT until 12:00 on Friday.