Two women in hospital after fair ride 'drops to ground'

Two women have been taken to hospital after a fairground ride "failed and crashed" in Birmingham city centre.

Officers and paramedics rushed to the scene in Centenary Square at 19:29 GMT on Thursday, after "reports of an issue with one of the rides," West Midlands Police said.

West Midlands Fire Service said the ride "dropped to ground level whilst in operation."

Images taken by the BBC show wires from at least two gondolas on the 55m tall City Flyer ride tangled up with each other.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said the two women's injuries were not thought to be serious but they were taken to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.

Another 11 patients - nine women and three men - were assessed and discharged at the scene.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police also said a "small number of people are being treated at the scene by paramedics".

A police cordon is currently in place between the ice rink, the library and the Rep theatre, with people asked to avoid the area.

One witness at the scene told the BBC he saw "girls who appeared to be injured" walking away from the area, with "one girl who seemed to have her face cut".

Lilly Nitsch, 18, from Leamington Spa, was at the scene and told the BBC she was "pretty shocked" by the incident.

"That's one of my favourite rides growing up," she said.

"It makes me think of of the times you've been on rides like that. It makes me feel lucky."

The City Flyer ride, run by funfair suppliers Danter Attractions, has been described as "one of the tallest rides around".

The ride boasts of panoramic views

Amelie Huet, 18, was in the ice skate bar nearby with a group of friends during the incident.

She told the BBC she heard sirens and went out to the balcony, where she saw ambulances, police cars and fire engines.

"Someone told us the structure dropped and someone fell out," she said.