Hislop dies in helicopter crash

Reigning British Superbike champion Steve Hislop has died in a helicopter accident in the Scottish Borders.

Hislop, 41, is understood to have been flying alone to visit friends in the area when his helicopter came down at a remote farm near Teviothead, about six miles south of Hawick.

Lothian and Borders Police were alerted at 4.50pm, but say the accident may have happened earlier in the day. An air accident investigation team is expected to arrive at the site at first light on Thursday July 31 to conduct a full enquiry.

The popular Scot, who won British Superbike titles in 1995 and 2002 in addition to eleven race wins at the Isle of Man TT, was recently sacked from the Virgin Yamaha team after failing to get to grips with the R1.

But he was immediately signed up by the ETI Ducati squad, reuniting him with the bike that won him last year’s championship, and was expected to show his true colours in his debut race for the team at Oulton Park next weekend.

We’ll update this story with more information as we get it.

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