Two spectators hospitalised following rally crash

Two spectators were taken to Noble's hospital following a crash on last night's opening leg of the Manx National Rally.

The incident happened on the Hibernia Road towards the end of the Ballure stage, a new stage this year that included a section of the TT course from Ramsey hairpin to the Gooseneck before turning into Hibernia.

A statement from rally organisers says, "The rally was delayed following an accident on the fifth stage, Ballure, when a competing car left the road and collided with two spectators.

"The emergency services were on the scene swiftly and both, who were conscious throughout, were taken to hospital for check-ups."

The crew of the rally car involved were uninjured.

As a result of the incident the second running of the stage, due to be the eighth and concluding test of the night, was cancelled.