Isle of Man TT 2017: Irish racer Alan Bonner third to die at TT

Alan Bonner was racing for Noel Williamson Racing at the TT

An Irish road racer has died following a crash during qualifying for the Senior TT on the Isle of Man, the third to lose his life at this year's event.

Alan Bonner, 33, from Stamullen in the Republic of Ireland suffered fatal injuries after crashing at the 33rd Milestone on the Mountain section.

Race organisers ACU Events Ltd said they wished to "pass on their deepest sympathy" to his family and friends.

Bonner's death follows those of Jochem van den Hoek and Davey Lambert.

Dutch racer Van den Hoek, 28, died hours earlier on Wednesday from injuries sustained in a crash at the 11th milestone in the Superstock race won by Ian Hutchinson.

Mr Bonner crashed at the 33rd milestone on the Mountain section of the TT course

Gateshead racer Lambert died in hospital in Merseyside on Tuesday from injuries sustained in the event's opening Superbike race.

Following Bonner's death qualifying was red flagged and cancelled and the day's third TT Zero race was postponed until Thursday.

Bonner, from County Meath, was riding for Noel Williamson Racing and finished 30th in the Superstock race won by Ian Hutchinson held on the same day.

He was a regular competitor at Irish national road races and was Irish road race Senior Support champion in 2010.

His best TT result was 15th in the Senior race in 2015 having made his debut a year earlier.

In 2016, four racers died in total and 32 riders have now lost their lives over the past decade.

Jochem van den Hoek died in a crash during Wednesday's Superstock race

Davey Lambert died in hospital in Liverpool from injuries sustained in a crash on Sunday