A TALENTED motorcycle racer was killed when he came off his bike in a 100mph crash.

Malachi Mitchell, also known as Malachi Mitchell-Thomas, died when his Kawasaki bike came out from under him and he slid for 90 feet on his chest before crashing into a baled wall during the North West 200 race in Northern Ireland in May.

On Thursday, area coroner Alan Walsh concluded in an inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court that the 20-year-old’s death was an accident and a result of “unsurvivable” chest injuries.

The court heard that there were no mechanical faults with the bike and that the road had been declared fit to race on.

Mr Mitchell-Thomas, who is originally from Horwich and was living in Adlington at the time of his death, was described as a racer of "unbelievable ability, who was likely to reach the top of his profession."

His family were said to be “extremely distressed” by his death and did not attend the inquest.

In a statement read out in court, Kevin Thomas, his father, said: “He travelled all over the world racing motorcycles and motorcycles were his world. He lived and breathed motorcycles and knew the danger surrounding racing.”

Mr Thomas, who works with his son’s racing team, said that he had often spoken of the dangers of racing with his son, who said he enjoyed the risk and excitement of racing.

He added that he did not blame anyone for the incident and that “unfortunately, this is part of motor racing.”

A post-mortem examination concluded that the rider’s bike had come out from beneath him at approximately 100mph and he then slid along the road, causing his chest injuries.

Witnesses to the crash reported that Mr Mitchell-Thomas, who had been racing from the age of six, may have driven over a “hollow” in the road or a manhole cover, which could have caused the bike to wobble.

The coroner added: “I have no doubt that he would have gone on to win grand prix around the world. It is a great tragedy that someone of such ability should die so early in his career.”

Mr Mitchell-Thomas, who was featured in a tribute piece to sportspeople who have died this year at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, was treated at the scene by medics and a spectator who rushed to help.