Great Yarmouth Hippodrome Circus acrobat making 'good recovery' after fall

A circus acrobat who fell several metres from a rotating apparatus is making "a good recovery" despite a broken shoulder, arm and leg, the show's ringmaster has said.

The performer, in his 20s, fell while riding the "Giant Wheel of Death" at the Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, on Wednesday night.

Jack Jay said he was "really pleased" he did not suffer more severe injuries.

Health and safety officials were investigating, he said.

Mr Jay, who is also circus manager, said the cause seemed to be "human error" and that no fault had yet been found with the equipment or rigging.

The brothers pictured performing their act earlier in the week at the Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth

"Maybe [it was] a very unfortunate momentary lapse, maybe a slight adjustment to the timing and a very serious outcome," Mr Jay said

"But we're thrilled the news coming out is positive, given what happened, that he's in a good recovery state."

Witnesses described how they initially thought the fall was part of the show.

Norfolk Constabulary - which was called at 19:37 GMT - said the artist "sustained serious, potentially life-changing injuries" but was stable in hospital.

The performer, who is from Colombia, was fully conscious after the fall and was helped by two audience members.

The show is a Christmas tradition for many families

A witness, who had seen the act at the Hippodrome before, said the performer was blindfolded.

"I was recording it as [the performance] was so brilliant," said the woman, who wished to remain anonymous.

"He slipped or tripped and fell to the ground and to begin with I thought it was part of the act, so continued recording.

"They often miss on purpose to get the audience sort of riled up and on the edge of their seats, but then we realised something was wrong."

'Come back stronger'

The witness said a screen was quickly brought on to the arena to shield the acrobat while he was attended to.

He was initially taken to the local James Paget Hospital and later transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

His partner in the act was his brother, who accompanied him to the James Paget, along with circus staff.

Mr Jay said: "There's nothing that should provide any long-term concern once he's had a long recovery process.

"I'm confident knowing his mindset he'll be back even stronger."

The circus performed on Thursday night, but without its "Giant Wheel of Death".

Great Yarmouth Borough Council, as the local environmental health authority, was contacted for comment.