The best son a father could ask for...Floral tributes to Malachi

Emtional messages and flowers placed at Black Hill where NW200 rider Malachi Mitchell-Thomas crashed on Saturday. INBM21-16S

Flowers with notes, cards and messages have been left by family, friends and dozens of fans following the tragedy on Saturday afternoon.

Malachi was riding with Cookstown BE Racing team who attended the scene this afternoon (Sunday) to pay an emotional tribute to their team mate.

The notes contain various messages including...The best son a father could ask for, You were right as usual if I’m gonna go it will be fast and on a bike, Love you mate, a legend at 20!, May your free spirt continue to ride with the wind, A sad, sad loss, You were a breath of fresh air to come to the paddock and will be sadly missed.

Floral tributes placed at Black Hill in memory of NW200 rider Malachi Mitchell-Thomas. INBM21-16S

Racing at the North West 200 was cancelled late on Saturday afternoon due to the fatal accident which happened in the Supertwins race on the approach to Black Hill on lap three.

A statement issued by the organisers said: “Malachi Mitchell-Thomas has died as a result of a crash on the third lap of the Supertwins race at the Vauxhall International North West 200.

“The 20 year old from Chorley in Lancashire crashed his Burrows Engineering Kawasaki on the approach to Black Hill. The race was immediately red flagged and Malachi was treated by medical staff from the MCUI Medical team but succumbed to his injuries at the scene. No other riders were involved in the incident. Racing was subsequently abandoned.

“The organisers of the event, the Coleraine and District Motor Club, would like to offer their heartfelt condolences to Malachi’s family and team.”