Boy hurt as zorb lifted into air by wind at Southport festival

Zorbing sees participants roll around inside large inflatables (stock image)

A nine-year-old boy who was in an inflatable zorb was seriously injured after he was reportedly lifted into the air by a gust of wind.

The boy was taken by air ambulance to hospital from the Southport Food and Drink Festival at Victoria Park after the accident at about 14:00 BST.

Merseyside Police said the boy's injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

Sefton Council said the event remained open after a health and safety check.

"First aid responders from St John Ambulance reacted quickly to provide assistance to the person involved prior to the arrival of other emergency services," a council spokesman said.

"Our thoughts are with those involved in the accident and we wish them a full recovery."

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "Emergency services remain at the scene while the circumstances of this incident are established."

'Horrifying'

Zorbing sees participants secured inside the inner capsule of a large, inflated, transparent ball, which is then rolled along the ground.

Helen, 39, from Salford, was queuing for the zorb ride with her five-year-old son William when it happened. She said it was "so scary" and "horrifying to watch".

"There was a sudden strong gust of wind and two of the zorbs blew out of the water. One of them flew above the trees in the park with the little boy scrambling inside before it came dropping down onto one of the wheelie bins," she said.

She said the workers on the ride reacted quickly to help the boy while other staff removed the remaining children from the other zorbs.

The air ambulance and quick response arrived within minutes, she added.

She said: "It was horrifying to watch and to try to explain to my little boy what had happened. I hope the injured boy makes a full recovery and really feel for his poor family."

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