The road racing world has been rocked by the death of a second top name rider in a matter of weeks.

William Dunlop has died in an incident at the Skerries 100 road races in County Dublin on Saturday.

Dunlop, 32, was taking part in practice for the event when the crash happened.

He competed regularly in the Isle of Man but pulled out of this year’s TT after two practice sessions to return home to Ballymoney to be with his pregnant partner Janine.

It was later revealed that there had been concerns about a 20-week scan but that the situation had improved and the couple were looking forward to the arrival of their second child.

Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club, promoters of the Skerries event, announced the news on Saturday evening, extending its heartfelt sympathy to William’s family and friends.

He was taking part in an open race practice session on his Temple Golf Club-backed R1 Yamaha when he crashed at the Sam’s Tunnel section of the course on the third lap around 5pm.

Red flags were immediately displayed to halt the session and medics and Gardai attended the scene.

His death comes a little over one month after Manxman Dan Kneen died during practice for the TT.

William Dunlop had four podium finishes at the TT, including a second place in the 2016 TT Zero race.

He was a winner at the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT and a regular supporter and winner at the Post-TT and Southern 100 on the Billown Course.

William was not entered for next week’s Southern 100, but his younger brother Michael is.