The 2023 Southern 100 road racing event has been cancelled following an accident that left two people dead.

One rider and a marshal - both male - were killed following an incident during qualifying practice for the 1100cc class on Tuesday evening [11 July].

With a police investigation ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident, the decision has been taken to cancel the remainder of the Southern 100 event, which was due to run until Thursday.

"Following the serious incident that occurred during the final lap of last night’s practice session, the Southern 100 can confirm that the remainder of the event is now cancelled," read a statement from the organisers.

"The Clerk of the Course has taken the decision to cancel the remainder of the event due to the ongoing investigations and this continues to be the priority of the organisation."

The accident is understood to have occurred close to the start-finish line and involved two riders, a marshal and a spectator. Police have since confirmed the deaths of one rider and a marshal, though no details regarding their identity have been made public as yet.

Known as 'The Friendly Races', the Southern 100 takes place on the 4.8-mile Billown Circuit on roads close to Castletown on the Isle of Man.

Among those competing were 25-time TT winner Michael Dunlop, Davey Todd, Dean Harrison and Ian Lougher.