Alton Towers chief: 'We let people down' over Smiler crash

Alton Towers operator Merlin has admitted they "let people down with devastating consequences", after the firm was fined £5m for the Smiler rollercoaster crash.

Nick Varney, chief executive for Merlin Entertainments plc, said the company and Alton Towers were "not emotionless corporate entities", and he repeated his "heartfelt apologies" to victims of the crash last June.

Sixteen people were injured including two teenage girls who underwent leg amputations.

Mr Varney added: "From the beginning the company has accepted full responsibility for the terrible accident."