Firefighters were sent to a rally car that had burst into flames during stage nine of the Manx National Rally.

A fire service spokesman said the clerk of the course promptly closed the stage to competitors to allow access for the fire appliance.

But on their arrival the fire had been extinguished by a combination of portable fire extinguishers from the vehicle involved and fellow competitors and marshals extinguishers.

Crews used breathing apparatus and a hose reel to damp the vehicle down and were in attendance for about 30 minutes.

The drama happened at 10.25am yesterday (Saturday) but details were only released at lunchtime today (Sunday).