James Cowton tragically died during the final race of this year's Southern 100 meeting on the Billown course.

The 600cc Challenge late on Thursday afternoon was well underway when it was red-flagged following an incident at Stadium Corner involving several of the leading riders.

Therefore the meeting was subsequently brought to a premature end as emergency services attended to the scene.

A few hours after the incident, organisers released a statement confirming that Cowton, a popular and regular TT competitor, sadly passed away while Ivan Lintin remains in a critical condition in hospital.

'The Southern 100 MCRC, organisers of the Southern 100 International Road Races, regret to announce that following an incident involving four-competitors at Stadium

Bends during the 600cc Challenge race, Driffield rider James Cowton succumbed to his injuries.

'The other riders involved, Ivan Lintin is in a critical condition, whilst Jamie Coward has shoulder injuries and Mickey Evans leg and arm injuries.

'Southern 100 Racing extends it sincere condolences to family, relatives and friends of James Cowton at this very sad time.

'The organisers are carrying out a full investigation in conjunction with Isle of Man Constabulary into the circumstances of the incident on behalf of the Coroner of Inquests.'

Cowton made his Isle of Man TT debut in 2014 and recorded his best result that same year when finishing third in the Lightweight race.

He was also an avid supporter of racing at Billown, having raced regularly in the Pre-TT, Post-TT and Southern 100 meetings, most recently recording one in and two seconds exactly one month prior to his death.

More in Tuesday's Isle of Man Examiner.