THE town of Norton was a community in shock following the death of the two young jockeys.

While investigators from the police and fire service searched the charred interior of the block of flats in Church Street, floral tributes were being left outside by residents wanting to show their respects.

Norton and the surrounding area is home to a huge and close-knit racing community, from the country’s top trainers and owners to young hopefuls like Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson.

“There’s a profound sense of shock that something terrible has happened in this community, said Ryedale District councillor Howard Keal.

“It’s absolutely horrendous that people with their lives ahead of them have had them cut short in this way.”

Norton resident Mandy Cass, said: “It’s shocking. A lot of jockeys use the newsagents where I work every morning.

“My daughter, who works in stables near here, said people there are devastated. It’s like one big family. People are just walking around not speaking.”

Just over the road from Buckrose Court, the scene of the tragedy, is The Derwent Arms, a regular haunt of jockeys living in the nearby flats, including Jamie Kyne.

Speaking on Saturday, a member of staff described the pub as being on “a real low”.

Landlord Darren Rushworth, 40, said: “This is a big shock to everybody.

“There is a very sombre mood here today.

“It has been the main talk of the town for the whole morning.”

The town’s deputy mayor, Di Keal, said her thoughts were with the families of the young people who had “tragically lost their lives.

Obviously a full investigation into the incident must take place,” she said.

“But our thoughts must be with the families, and our sincere condolences go out to them at this very distressing time.”