Rider Anderton 'critical' after NW200 crash

Rider John Anderton is in a critical condition in hospital after a crash at Tuesday night's practice session for the North West 200 in Portstewart.

The 29-year-old, from antrim was taken to the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine initially, but was later moved to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

The crash happened during the final session of the 600cc class at Station Corner at around 9.20pm.

Anderton was travelling at over 100 mph on a fast section of the circuit.

The Station Road in Portstewart was closed for a time afterwards.

Anderton had been competing in England for the last few years but had returned to Northern Ireland this year to ride in the Irish Supersport Championship.

He crashed in the first round of the championship at Mondello Park in March and the injuries he sustained ruled him out of the Ulster team for the MotoSix Six Nations Championship at Donington Park.

He rides for IFS team, on board a Yamaha R6.