Two motorcyclist have died on the Mountain road on Sunday and a third rider has been taken to Nobles hospital.

The collision happened at 11.10am at the Black Hut on the A18 between a German registered Ducati 848 and a UK registered Yamaha YZF600R. Both riders were pronounced dead at the scene.

A third rider on a Ducati 600 Desmo was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Inspector Derek Flint, senior investigating officer said; "This was a difficult scene to deal with, as both motorcycles caught fire after the collision. This has resulted in significant damage to the road surface, and we are consulting with the Department of Infrastructure engineers in respect of its repair. We have traced a number of significant witnesses, but I would ask that anyone who witnessed the crash or perhaps passed through the scene, to contact us at Police Headquarters on 01624 631212."

The latest update from the police now says that due to damage to the road surface the A18 Snaefell Mountain Road will remain closed between the junction with Lheaney Road in Ramsey and the junction with the A14 Tholt y Will Road (Bungalow) until after Mondays racing. This is to allow the DOI to attend and make good the carriageway.

Access to Barrule Park will be maintained to allow residents to come and go from their homes.

During the TT fortnight the Mountain Road is made one way for the two week period, but this does not happen for the Festival of Motorsport.