Three hurt as speedway bike hits spectators

2:16pm Sunday 11th May 2008

TWO teenagers and a man were injured when a motorbike crashed into spectators at a Speedway race event.

A 14-year-old girl suffered serious head injuries in the collision at the home of Berwick Rangers Football Club, in Tweedmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, at 8.10pm on Saturday.

She was taken to Berwick Infirmary. Her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

A 16-year-old boy suffered injuries to his collarbone and shoulder and a man also received injuries, which were not believed to be serious.

The remainder of the event was cancelled following the collision.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: A motorcycle left the track during a regular Speedway event and collided with spectators.

Speedway competitors race against each other during four laps of an oval-shaped track.

The single-geared motorbikes are powered by 500cc engines, have acceleration to match Formula 1 race cars and have no brakes.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to come forward.