Steve Mercer is in a critical but stable condition in hospital in Liverpool following an incident in TT qualifying on Wednesday evening.

The Jackson Racing rider was involved in a collision with a course car and was initially flown by airmed to Noble’s Hospital, before being transferred to Liverpool for specialist treatment.

His wife Caroline posted on social media early on Friday morning, revealing the extent of his injuries and confirming that Steve is currently unable to breathe on his own.

’Just to give you an update, Steve had surgery early Thursday morning for pelvic and leg injuries which went as well as the doctors could have hoped at this stage.

’Other injuries include a broken ankle, heel, T12 vertebrae, a fracture to his larynx and damage to his neck which means he’s not currently able to breathe for himself without support.

’They’re keeping him heavily sedated most of the time to make him more comfortable whilst he recovers from his injuries.

’Thank you so much to everyone who has helped us to get over to him so quickly and for the hundreds of messages of support we have received.

’I have been reading some of your messages out to him to let him know everyone is rooting for him to get better.’