Seaside funfair worker dies in 'tragic accident'

An air ambulance was deployed to the funfair at Spanish City in Whitley Bay

A "much-loved" seaside fairground worker was fatally injured in what has been described as a "tragic accident".

Northumbria Police said officers were called to Spanish City in Whitley Bay shortly before 14:15 BST on Saturday after a man in his 20s suffered serious head injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and the funfair, which was due to run over the Bank Holiday weekend, will remain closed until further notice.

Turners Funfairs posted on Facebook that it was "heartbroken... that one of our much-loved colleagues has sadly passed away following a tragic accident".

Its statement continued: "Our team is like a family and we are all deeply affected by this loss.

"As a mark of respect, Spanish City Funfair will remain closed this weekend, while we take the time to grieve together."

Investigation launched

A North East Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We dispatched a rapid response paramedic, a clinical team leader, an emergency ambulance crew and the air ambulance.

"An off-duty medic was also present to support the patient whilst the ambulance was travelling."

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Despite the best efforts of medical staff who attended the scene, a short time later the man was sadly declared dead.

"We have contacted the Health and Safety Executive and are working with them to establish exactly what happened."

Anyone with information has been asked to contact the force.