HASLINGDEN’S Tom Carne was just inches away from an accident that left two riders with serious head injuries at Brands Hatch on Sunday.

Carne was taking part in the National Superstock 600 race when a number of riders fell in front of him on the first lap.

The East Lancashire rider, who had started from 23rd position in a 38-strong field, emerged unscathed but two competitors were badly injured as they fell off their bikes trying to avoid the accident in front of them.

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Dutch rider Jordy de Jonge, who had started 33rd, suffered a serious head injury and was placed in an artificially induced coma.

James Puttrell, who had started 19th, sustained serious head, chest and limb injuries.

Both were described as being in a ‘critical but stable’ condition in the latest update on Tuesday.

“When this happens in front of you, it reminds you of the risks of racing,” Carne said. “But this is what we love and this is our career. We put it to the back of our minds and race.”

The race was resumed two hours later, with Carne finishing in 17th place.

Worsthorne’s Harry Hartley crashed out of the first race in the British Supersport Championship and then finished ninth in the second race despite clutch problems.