Speedway's Lewis Kerr In Coma After Crash

Speedway rider Lewis Kerr is in an induced coma after colliding with a fence at a race attended by his pregnant wife and parents.

The 25-year-old, competing for Newcastle Diamonds, crashed with another rider and ploughed into the barrier at high speed during a meeting in Peterborough.

His family were in the crowd and other riders were left in tears, according to the Eastern Daily Press.

"There was no alternative but to abandon the meeting, said a statement from the British Speedway Promoters Association.

"All of the riders were in no state to continue after seeing what had happened.

"Our thoughts are with Lewis and his family, and we wish him a full, successful and speedy recovery.

"Our information at this stage is that he is in an induced coma at Addenbrooke’s Hospital where he will get the best possible care."

The Norfolk-born rider is seen as one of the sport’s rising stars and made his senior Elite League debut last season.

Kerr’s parents and wife are with him at the Cambridge hospital, said Newcastle Diamonds manager George English.

"It was not a good looking crash and it instantly became apparent that Lewis needed major attention from the Peterborough medical team, and that's exactly what he got," he said.

Kerr’s wife, Jessie, used her husband’s Twitter account to thank fans for their support – but said there was no update yet on his condition.

She wrote: "Thank you to absolutely everybody, the speedway world has been incredible, Lewi will be so gobsmacked xx Jessie"

British Speedway Champion Tai Woffinden was among those tweeting message of support.

"Sending our best wishes to lewis kerr and his family!" tweeted the GB team captain.