A North speedway rider is fighting for his life after losing control of his bike and swerving into a hard barrier.

Berwick Bandits rider Ricky Ashworth, 30, was rushed to hospital with a serious head injury on Friday after a smash at the Eddie Wright Raceway in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire.

The Bandits had been competing with fellow Premier League speedway team the Scunthorpe Scorpions when, during the 11th heat, Ricky got into trouble while taking a corner.

The rider has been moved to a specialist neurological unit at Hull Royal Infirmary where his condition is described as critical but stable.

Medics confirmed last night that no bones in his neck were broken.

Lawrence Heppell, a spokesman for the Bandits, said Ricky had been competing for second place in the heat but ‘overcooked’ his turn round a bend.

Ricky and his bike then went careering into a section of the barrier which was not padded, leading to his serious head injury.

The meeting was abandoned as all paramedics were needed to care for Ricky.

Lawrence said this was the third injury Lawrence had sustained this season and, just a few weeks earlier, had recovered from another head injury.

“He was out of action for six to eight weeks,” said Lawrence.

“His neurological surgeon gave him the all clear and he has only been back a month.”

Lawrence said had Ricky have hit the padded section of the barrier he “probably would have walked away” from the crash relatively unhurt.

Last night, Lawrence added: “Following a detailed scan, the good news is that there are no broken bones in his neck which had been a concern earlier on.

“But for the time being the medical staff are maintaining his unconscious state in order to keep him as relaxed as possible so they can observe and monitor his serious condition and give his system the best of chances to kick-start his road to recovery as his fight for life continues.”

Team manager Ian Rae added: “He’s with the medical staff who are working with him to make sure he’s comfortable and can make a start on recovery.

“The best people are with him and we wish him well and will report more to our fans as the news is released.

“All at Berwick Speedway wish Ricky all the very best.”