AN investigation is continuing into the death of a Nelson teenager who plunged 30ft to her death from a fairground ferris wheel. Down's syndrome sufferer Salma Saleem, 15, fell from the ride at Gulliver's World, Warrington.

The Health and Safety Executive are investigating the incident, asking why the teenager was not accompanied on the big wheel-style ride at the theme park.

The schoolgirl, of Manchester Road, Nelson, fell from the carriage and died in Warrington District General Hospital. A post mortem examination confirmed the cause of her death as head injuries and an inquest has been opened and adjourned.

Police said Salma travelled to the theme park with a number of other disabled children on a trip organised by the Nelson-based Faisalabad Welfare Association Disabled Children's Scheme.

Directors of Gulliver's World have said that no equipment failure nor mechanical fault was involved in the incident.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said: "We are continuing with our investigation into this incident and will report back once those inquiries have been completed."

Police said Salma fell from the two-seater carriage after the safety bar came away. Shamim Ahmed, leader of the Faisalabad group, a registered charity based in Manchester Road, has launched his own inquiry.