A motorcyclist has died after he came off his machine during a race at the famous Brands Hatch circuit.

Thirty-year-old Gavin Turner from Eastbourne fell off his bike at 150mph during a power bike race yesterday.

The accident happened during the first lap of the race, according to Octagon Motor Sports, which owns the Kent circuit.

Spokeswoman Maria Bellanca said: "The rider involved was immediately attended to by race paramedics.

"During the transfer to Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, it was found his injuries had proved fatal.

"Racing accidents are common but not fatalities. They have happened before here but are rare."

She said there would have been a "reasonable number" of people watching the meeting, although crowd figures have yet to be released.

A police spokesman said seven other riders had come off their bikes as a result of the accident.

The matter has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive. Ms Bellanca said such a move was normal procedure.

Relatives of the dead man were yesterday being contacted by police.