Two bikers have died in three days in collisions on the same road in the south of the island.

Joshua Keith Thornton, 23, of Baildon in West Yorkshire, died at the scene of the accident on the Sloc Road on Thursday morning. Mr Thornton’s relatives, who are being supported by specially trained officers, said Joshua would be deeply missed by all his family and friends - in particular his sisters Gemma and Nicole, brother Lee, two cousins William and Benjamin and his girlfriend Mary, with whom he lived.

Three motorcycles were involved in the collision. The other riders involved, who both live off-island, were taken to Noble’s Hospital shortly after the collision.

One was flown to the UK with serious injuries.

The road between the Ballakilpheric junction and the Round Table was closed for five and a half hours after the crash in order to allow for a collision investigation to be carried out.

Then on Sunday morning a visiting biker died in a collision further down the road towards Ballakillowey.

Police confirmed that a 57-year-old man from Ireland was pronounced dead at the scene of a collision involving two motorcycles on the Ballakillowey Road.

No one else was injured during the collision.

Inspector Juan Kinley said the name of the rider who died was not being released until relevant support is fully in place with the man’s family.

A section of road between the Ballakillowey roundabout and the Ballakilpheric junction was closed while a full investigation was carried out but it has since reopened.

Inspector Kinley said a number of people have already been spoken to as part of their inquiries but police would like to hear from anyone else who may have been in the area just prior to, or at, the time of the collision.

If you have any information contact police on 631212.