Tributes have poured in for Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, after the two drivers tragically died from injuries sustained in a "catastrophic" crash at Oulton Park. They were taking part in a British Supersport race at the first corner.

A statement released by MotorSport Vision Racing and British Superbikes confirmed the deaths alongside six more riders who suffered injuries, which prompted an outpouring of tributes for Jenner and Richardson. Cheshire Police have also issued an update saying that .

Mat Oxley, a former Isle of Man TT champion, said: "There are times when you hate yourself for loving motorcycle racing and this is one of them. RIP Owen Jenner & Shane Richardson, who lost their lives at Oulton today. Thoughts with their friends & loved ones & everyone involved in this horrific incident."

Former British motorcycle champion Steve Sawford added: "What a terrible way to start the year, my heart goes out to all the families and friends of everyone involved today.

"Special thoughts at this time for Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson R.I.P. lads and hoping Tom can make a good recovery. The sport we love can be so very cruel."

One of the teams in the Supersport championship, Honda Racing, issued a statement to pay tribute to both Jenner and Richardson.

They wrote: "The motorcycle community is tightly knit and we share the profound sadness at the outcome of today's accident at Oulton Park. Our thoughts are with the riders, their families, friends, team members and the entire BSB paddock. We go through days like this as one community."

British Superbikes series director confirmed that a "severe and catastrophic" incident had taken place before the deaths were confirmed by Motorsport Vision Racing.

The statement read: "At the start of this afternoon's Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one, Old Hall corner on the first lap, there was a chain reaction incident involving 11 riders falling. The race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed.

"Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled. This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.

"Owen Jenner (21) was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre, where despite further resuscitation treatment, he died from a catastrophic head injury.

"Shane Richardson (29) was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest injuries. He died prior to arrival."