Motorcyclist Robert Dunlop dies following crash

The Irish motorcycling fraternity is in mourning again this morning following the death of Robert Dunlop during a crash in the North yesterday.

The 48-year-old Ballymoney man was taking part in a practice session for today's North West 200 when he came off his bike at around 160mph on the Mathers Cross section of the course.

He suffered severe chest injuries and died last night in hospital.

His brother and fellow bike racer Joey Dunlop died in a similar accident in Estonia in 2000.

Dunlop's death comes just one week after Martin Finnegan died in a crash at the Tandragee 100 meeting in Co Armagh on May 3.