North West 200: Spectator and rider critical but stable after crash

The woman was airlifted to hospital in Belfast

A woman and a rider are in critical but stable conditions in hospital following a crash involving three motorcycles at the North West 200.

The woman, who was a spectator, was hit during the opening Superstock race on Saturday.

Two riders were also taken to hospital. The third was unhurt.

Stephen Thompson is in a critical condition, Horst Saiger sustained minor injuries.

Organisers said the "serious incident" happened on the section of the course between York Corner and Mill Road Roundabout.

The woman was taken to hospital by helicopter.

Transferred

The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has described her condition and that of Thompson as "critical but stable".

Mervyn Whyte, NW200 race director, said the two riders, Thompson and Saiger, were conscious when they were transferred to hospital in Coleraine.

A spokesperson for the event said Thompson had now been transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, while Saiger is believed to have only minor injuries and remains in Coleraine.

Thompson is from Crumlin in County Antrim and is in his late 30s.

He is a regular competitor at the North West 200, Isle of Man TT, Ulster Grand Prix, and Macau Grand Prix road circuits.

He suffered a broken vertebra at the Ulster Grand Prix in 2012.