Robert Dunlop died when he inadvertantly hit the front brake at more than 150mph buring practice for last year's NorthWest 200, an inquest has been told.

The road racing legend was killed when his 250 Honda seized and and he reached to pull the clutch in, he hit the front brake lever which was on the left handlebar. Dunlop used a thumb-brake because of injuries that he previously suffered which caused him retire briefly.

Dunlop was pitched over the front of the bike and rider behind had nowhere to go and ran over the stricken Dunlop, before crashing himself and suffering serious injuries,

Coroner John Leckey said: "I have concluded that what happened was caused by him inadvertently applying the brake lever using his left thumb as he was attempting to apply the clutch.

"This would have produced a powerful and instant braking effect on the front wheel and that is the explanation for him somersaulting over the handlebars.

"I am conscious of the fact that bearing in mind the speed he was travelling at he had to respond instantly.

"Therefore, the modifications to the front wheel braking system and, in particular, the location of the left thumb brake lever are likely to have been factors in the tragic sequence of events."

Leckey recorded a verdict of death from multiple injuries.