A talented teenage motorcyclist injured in a collision at the start of a race has died.

Christopher Jones, aged 14, from Worcestershire, was in a nine-bike pile-up at the starting line of the British 125cc Championships at Cadwell Park near Louth, Lincolnshire.

The youngster, who had twice previously won the race, had completed the warm-up lap and was on the starting grid when the incident occurred.

It is understood his engine stalled and he was hit by two riders behind him.

Seven other competitors collided with the stranded bikers, halting the race.

The teenager, from Stoke Prior, near Bromsgrove, was treated at the scene with another injured teenager and a 38-year-old man.

Christopher was airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary where he remained critical but stable overnight, but died yesterday morning.

A spokesman for MCRCBEvents, who organised the race, said: "The staff, officials and associates of MCRCBEvents, organisers of the British 125GP Championship, would like to extend their deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Chris Jones at this tragic time."

The teenager, who had competed in more than 60 races, was in his first season as a Honda Red Bull team rider.

Christopher had won the race on two previous occasions and was ranked third in the points score ahead of Monday's race meet.

Jonathan Palmer, chief executive of Motorsport Vision, the company which hosted the event, said: "To have a fatality in motorsport is always terribly sad, but for a 14-year-old to lose his life is quite devastating and my thoughts are with Chris's family, his team and the many friends he had in the motorcycle racing world.

"Chris was an extremely talented young rider who was clearly destined for great future success.

"He was passionate about his sport and it showed in his results."

Christopher had been racing motorbikes since he was nine and was an accomplished rider of 125cc cycles.

Two other experienced riders were also injured in the pile-up.

Carl Andrews, aged 14, of Newark, was treated at Lincoln hospital after he sustained a shoulder injury in the collision.

Jon Vincent, aged 38, of Bickerstaffe, Lancashire, had treatment for an abdominal injury at Grimsby hospital.

Both are in a stable condition.