NW200: Injured spectator and rider 'stable' in hospital

A spectator and a rider seriously injured in a crash at the North West 200 are now in a stable condition in hospital in Belfast.

Three competitors - Stephen Thompson, Dean Harrison and Horst Saiger - came off in the Superstock race.

The female spectator was struck as she stood watching from the garden of a friend's house and was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.

Thompson - who is Michael Rutter's team-mate in the Penz13.com Bathams BMW team this year - was also listed as critical, but both are now on the road to recovery.

Hmar-Train Yamaha rider Harrison walked away from the incident unhurt, while Austrian competitor Saiger sustained a broken arm and has now returned home.

A statement issued by Mervyn Whyte, Event Director at the North West 200, said: "Violet and Stephen sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment in the Royal Victoria hospital, Belfast. They are both now in a stable condition.

"I have spoken to their families and will be visiting the hospital again this evening [Monday]. The organisers of the North West 200 will offer our full support to Violet and Stephen and their families and I want to assure them that they are in our thoughts and prayers throughout this time.

"I am sure all of you will want to join with me in wishing both of them a full and speedy recovery. I would also like to thank the members of the medical team who were involved in treating those who were injured on Saturday.

"The care and expertise they provide is the very best in the world and we are very grateful that we have this available to us at the North West 200.

"A full investigation is underway into the incident, which will be completed very soon."