Isle of Man TT 2015: Race fans hit by 65mph winds

Hundreds of people camping on the Isle of Man for the annual TT races were left shaken by winds of up to 65mph (105 km/h).

Tents were ripped apart and blown away as storm force winds battered the island on Monday leading to practice being cancelled.

Peter Priest from Manchester said the weather at the TT Grandstand was like the "scene from a Hollywood movie".

Church halls were opened across the island to house the bikers.

The Met Office recorded speeds in excess of 65mph at Ronaldsway and said it was "very unusual" for June.

High winds caused havoc at the Isle of Man TT Grandstand in Douglas

Mr Priest, a mechanic who is over for the races, said: "There were high winds and torrential rain. Our awning was like a parachute and we were all hanging on.

Rider Tim Sayers from Stockport added: "The winds coming through the paddock were like nothing I've seen before".

Sidecar driver Deborah Barron said it was "wild".

The Manx competitor said: "There were eight of us were hanging on to our two awnings for four hours. Literally hanging on for dear life."

Some riders will reach speeds in excess of 200mph during the annual Isle of Man TT races

Others were not so lucky.

Rider Rafael Paschoalin, who has travelled all the way from Brazil to compete, lost his entire tent.

He said: "We only had a little tent and everything has gone. It just took off and we have had to get everything back inside the van".

Organisers are now working with those affected to help repair or replace any damaged tents and awnings.

The Department of Infrastructure said it had been working around the clock to clear the course of debris for Tuesday's practice after several trees were blown onto the course.

Tuesday's practice session is scheduled to get under way at 18:20 BST on the Mountain Course with roads closing at 18:00.