Isle of Man TT 2019: Man charged with entering course 'waving an axe'

The man allegedly entered the closed TT course near Laurel Bank during qualifying

A man who allegedly entered the Isle of Man TT course carrying an axe will appear in court later.

The 26-year-old from Peel was charged with affray and breaking a road closure order following Sunday's incident near Laurel Bank.

A police force spokesman said he was also alleged to have been "threatening and abusive" towards marshals before entering the course.

He was arrested after going on to barricade himself in a van.

It is illegal to enter the roads used for the TT during all practice sessions and the official races.

The first racing at this years event will be held on Monday

Laurel Bank is a fast right-hand turn before Glen Helen on the TT course.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them.

Insp Andrew Reed said: "It's extremely dangerous for any person to enter a closed road. Not only does it place themselves in danger but other members of the public, riders and police officers too."

Last week another TT visitor was fined £1,500 for walking across the course during qualifying.