A woman is in a critical condition in hospital after being hit following a crash involving three riders at the North West 200.

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

In a statement, they said riders Dean Harrison, Stephen Thompson and Horst Saiger were involved in the accident. Dean Harrison was unhurt.

The woman was a spectator at the event.

She was taken to hospital by helicopter.

The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust described the woman's condition as critical.

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

It's been a successful meeting so far for Northern Ireland riders, who have occupied all nine podium spots.

The big machines are out next for the opening Superbike race.

1. Alastair Seeley (won by 2.5 seconds)

2. Glenn Irwin

3. Lee Johnston

4. William Dunlop

5. Keith Amor

6. Dean Harrison

Alastair Seeley is thrilled as his Supersport win moves him to within one victory of Robert Dunlop's all-time record of 15 North West 200 triumphs.

"It was exciting stuff. Glenn and Lee made me fight all the way," said the 35-year-old Carrickfergus man.

Lee Johnston's time penalty of 10 seconds, after he left the track on the final lap, means he moves down to third with Glenn Irwin up to second.

What a superb race! Alastair Seeley clinches his second Supersport win of the meeting to move to within one of Robert Dunlop's record total of 15 NW200 victories.

In a drama-filled race Lee Johnston came over the line second, but he could face a time penalty after over-running on the final lap. Glenn Irwin has secured a first podium place on his NW200 debut.

That was worth the wait - road racing at its very best.

It's thrilling stuff out there. The top three are inches apart and the lead is constantly changing hands.

Michael Dunlop pulls into the pits - his race is over.

Glenn Irwin stays in front on lap two but the Carrickfergus rider, who is making his NW200 debut, is under pressure from Alastair Seeley and Lee Johnston.

Glenn Irwin makes a blistering start to take an early lead, followed by Lee Johnston and Alastair Seeley - let's hope we can finally get a race completed.

It's sunny now on the north coast and the grid is being cleared in preparation for the Supersport race.

North West 200 organisers have released a statement on the crash near York Corner this morning.

"There has been a serious incident during the opening Superstock race at the 2015 Vauxhall International North West 200," they said.

"A crash, involving three riders, occurred on the section of the course between York Corner and Mill Road Roundabout on the second lap of the race.

"Three riders - Dean Harrison, Stephen Thompson and Horst Saiger- were involved in the incident. Dean Harrison was unhurt.

"Stephen Thompson and Horst Saiger have both been taken to hospital by ambulance after being treated by the race medical team at the scene.

"A female spectator was also injured in the incident and after being treated at the scene has been taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast by helicopter. "

Race director Mervyn White discussed Saturday's incidents, external with BBC Sport NI's Stephen Watson.

Gavin Halls: Oh no not again. I hope everyone is ok.

Aaron Clarke: Lads you'd have to give Lee Johnson the race. Three red flags will we ever see this race.

You can get in touch at #NorthWest200 or pop on to the BBC bikes Facebook page., external

Organisers have decided not to re-run the Superstock race, so it's on to the Supersport event.

The red flag was for incidents at the Mather's Cross and Magheraboy chicanes.

For the third time this race is red-flagged - Lee Johnston was leading on lap two, ahead of Ian Hutchinson and Alastair Seeley.

They're away once again and it's Alastair Seeley in front with Bruce Anstey second and Lee Johnston third.

Organisers hope it's third time lucky for the Superstock race. After two failed attempts to get the event completed, the riders are back on the grid. Distance has been reduced to four laps.

Yorkshire rider James Cowton is planning to race in the Superstock and Supersport races this afternoon despite sustaining a dislocated shoulder in Supertwins practice on Thursday.

Cowton's Supertwins bike was badly damaged in the spill so he will not be competing in that class.

"I'm have a ride on the Superstock and Supersport bikes though I'm not going to go overboard," added Cowton.