A GRASSTRACK motorcycle racer from Wantage has died after he crashed into a fence at an event near Worcester.

David Durham, 28, was taking part in the Midland Centre Championships at Offerton, Hindlip, yesterday when the incident happened.

Five hundred on-lookers watched as he came off the track and crashed into a fence.

Jayne Higgins, secretary of the Worcester Grass Track Club, said Mr Durham's parents were among those spectators at the event.

She said: "This was a tragic accident and a very sad loss. David was a competitor who raced all over the country. We are all deeply upset by what happened."

The event, which had attracted 100 competitors from around the country, was abandoned following the incident.

Mr Durham's photograph and a short explanation was posted on the website www.grasstrackracing.com shortly afterwards.

The website says: "The tragedy happened during race eight when David crashed out on the second bend.

"As we understand it there were not any other riders involved. Sadly David lost his life as a result of his injuries."

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said they were called to the incident shortly after 1.30pm following reports that a motorcyclist had come off the track into a fence.

A Rapid Response Vehicle, an ambulance and a BASICS doctor were responded to the scene, where a paramedic in attendance at the event had already started treatment.

The man was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, accompanied on the ambulance by both the Rapid Response Paramedic and the BASICS doctor, but despite all their efforts, they were unable to save his life.