Sefton Park funfair accident leaves two children in hospital

REGIONAL: 6:41pm tonight...

Two children have been taken to hospital after part of a fairground ride crashed down on top of them in Sefton Park.

Friends Kayleigh Davies, nine and Luke Beardsmore, ten, were on the 'Twister' ride when a large section of an illuminated sign came loose when the ride was in motion.

Kayleigh’s mum Jo Davies, who watched on in horror, said children and parents were left screaming in shock.

The friends have been taken to Alder Hey hospital, where they are awaiting results of X-rays and other medical checks.

A spokesman for John Collins Funfairs Ltd said they had closed the ride following the incident.

The spokesman, who would not give his name, said: “We have closed the ride down now for an investigation. I can’t comment until that investigation takes place.

“No one was hurt, but it’s standard procedure to close down the ride.”

The Liverpool Echo spoke to Jo Davies, who is with her daughter Kayleigh at Alder Hey. Her neighbour, Joanne Beardsmore, who's son Luke was also injured is with her.

Jo said the children were left screaming in shock when the incident happened.

She added: “We’d only been down there about half an hour and the kids had been on the waltzers. They then went on the Twister and it was going round at some speed when all of a sudden we heard this almighty crash."

7:26pm -

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo from Alder Hey, Jo said after the sign came crashing down, the ride continued going for a few seconds before grinding to a halt. She said: “The people operating the ride seemed in shock at what had happened - no one could believe it. The noise of it coming down was unbelievable.”

Jo said the sign hit Kayleigh on her face and her right arm, while Luke was hit on his head, neck and chest.

“They didn’t have any obvious injuries, but Kayleigh has had X-rays and Luke has also been seen by doctors, to check if he’s ok."

Story and Photo Source: Liverpool Echo (Click here to get live updates of the accident)