The Isle of Man TT races began in 1907

Rider Marc Ramsbotham, 34, Dean Jacob, 33, of Kidderminster and Australian Gregory Kenzig, 52, were killed on the Isle of Man course last June.

Marshal James McKay, from Ramsey, told the Douglas inquest he had never seen a prohibited sign at the crash site.

As far as he was aware the area was safe for spectators, he added.

Mr McKay told coroner Michael Moyle that he saw the rider's head strike a post before he heard a loud crash.

The motorbike, which was by then in pieces, came over the embankment towards him and two other marshals, he said.

Experienced marshal

Debris struck the other marshals, knocking one of them unconscious, while the main body of the bike hit the two spectators.

Mr McKay said that although the road was covered in debris and fluid the race was not stopped.

It meant the casualties could not be taken by stretcher to the helicopter across the road until the road was clear, the inquest heard.

Mr McKay told the coroner he had been marshalling at the 26th Milestone - the scene of the crash - for five years.

'Never seen sign'

But he said he had never seen a sign indicating it was a restricted area for spectators in that time.

Rider Mr Ramsbotham, who was from Wymondham, Norfolk, died instantly in the crash on the final day of the races.

Spectator Mr Jacob was pronounced dead at the scene and Mr Kenzig, from Queensland, Australia, was taken to Noble's Hospital but died a short time later. Two other people were injured.

More than 200 people have been killed on the course since the first tourist trophy race in 1907.

The inquest continues.