An inquest is due to be opened on a Shrewsbury motorcyclist who was killed in a collision on the Isle of Man.

Mat Alexander Evans, 29, from Shrewsbury, died in a crash at the Mountain Box at about 8am on Friday.

Latest: Tributes to tragic TT motorcyclist Mat Evans

Mr Evans was riding a Honda Fireblade at the time of the crash, the day before the start of the opening race of the 2010 Isle of Man TT.

The inquest could be opened this week.

Detective Inspector Terry Stephen, from the Isle of Man Constabulary, said Mr Evans died as a result of him coming off his motorcycle while attempting to negotiate the left-hand bends at the Mountain Box.

He said: "It is very sad that a person has lost his life today whilst riding on the TT Course. We are still investigating the cause of the collision and many lines of enquiry are continuing.

"It is still unclear if any other vehicle was involved in the incident or on that part of the TT Course at the time."

The police are appealing for witnesses to the crash which left part of the course being closed for six hours.

Chris Trainer, coroners officer for HM coroner in the Isle of Man, today said they were aware of the death.

He said: "No inquest has been opened. We will hopefully have some idea later on in the week as to when we are going to do so."