COPS have launched an urgent investigation after two superbike riders died in a "chain reaction" collision during a championship race.
Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, were involved in the horrific incident which saw 11 riders fall on turn one of today's race at Oulton Park in Cheshire.
The horror incident - caught live on TV - saw 11 riders fall at the first turn after one reportedly lost control and skidded across the tarmac into another competitor.
A pile-up ensued and one bike even caught fire, with medics racing onto the track before the event was subsequently abandoned.
Jenner was taken to the circuit medical centre and given further resuscitation treatment but tragically died from a "catastrophic head injury", the organisers said.
Meanwhile, Richardson was taken to the medical centre with "severe chest injuries".
But he also sadly died while he was being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital, organisers added.
Now, Cheshire Police have revealed they are investigating two deaths "on behalf of the coroner".
British ace Jenner had been riding for Rapid Honda, while New Zealander Richardson was competing for Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki.
British Superbike (BSB) said that a third rider, Tom Tunstall, 47, sustained "significant injuries".
Tunstall was treated on the track and then taken to the medical centre.
He was then transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with "significant back and abdominal injuries", according to BSB.
The organisers said another five riders were treated in the medical centre with minor injuries, but did not need to be transferred to hospital.
Cheshire Police said: "Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon.
"Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.
"The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Police."
Jay Borrett, 53, a plumber from Rochester in Kent was attending the event with his wife Debbie.
He said: “The emergency response was incredibly quick. We saw two helicopters. You can’t fault the response time. The services they have here are amazing, the orange army.
“I watched them all run up the hill to the scene of the crash. You’ve got people at the top of their game racing beside somebody else who’s at the top of their game, for the same bit of track.
"If he can’t win, at least he wants to beat the one in front of him. Everyone knows the risks.
“Proper fans appreciate everything they do. It’s devastating, but the sport will carry on, things are not going to change.
“This was nothing to do with the size of the track, or anything like that.
"It was just a spin up of the back wheel which put him into a sideways position, and then a domino effect putting him into everyone else. It was an accident, and accidents happen. He was going into a pack of bikes, and there’s no retrieving that.”
The couple were staying in their caravan on the Oulton Park campsite, near to where the first bend where the crash unfolded on the first circuit.
His wife Debbie Borrett said: “Everyone here was devastated. We’re all huge Superbike fans and these are very safe tracks. The riders know the risks every time they go out there. The fans understand and appreciate the risks they take. The riders were so young. It’s a tragedy.”
Russell Mather, a 64-year-old retiree from Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, was also at the event.
He said: “Nobody gets on a bike to go and kill somebody - accidents happen, it’s two riders slightly touching, fighting, because they’re three or four abreast and coming down to a bend it only needs two just to touch."
The event was part of the opening weekend of this year's British Superbikes season.
Superbikes are highly-modified vehicles and BSB said they are "both quick and powerful" - with engines going up to 200bhp.
The campaign runs for eight rounds prior to entering three further "showdown" events.
Several fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to Jenner and Richardson.
One wrote: "I am truly shocked. I am so sorry to everyone involved the riders, the teams, the families, the Marshalls, the medics, the fans who were there."
While a second posted: "Thoughts and prayers for the families of Owen and Shane, may they rest in peace.
"This is a dark day for motorsport."
And another added: "A terrible day for our sport. My heart goes out to the families of both Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson.
"Our sport can be cruel but our community uplifting. Like those that have gone before, they shall never be forgotten. Rest in peace."
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