A GIRL was badly injured and five others were hurt in an horrific fairground accident.

Thrills turned to spills when a safety lap bar opened on a newly installed £1/4million ride at Silcock's fair in Leigh Road, Leigh.

Ironically the Side Kick thriller ride they were on had been bought especially because it featured a triple sure bar locking device.

Susan Burrows, 16, of Poplar Street Leigh is this week 'comfortable' in Wigan Infirmary after breaking both hips and her pelvis when she fell from the ride landing on the ground.

Thirteen year-olds Shelley White, of Lindow Street, Kelly Ireland, of Okell Grove and Vicki Pryce and neighbour Kerri Ogden,12, of Clifton Street, all Leigh, suffered shock and bruising.

An unidentified nine years-old girl suffered a broken collarbone.

Health and Safety Officers were called to the scene after the incident on Saturday night and shut down the ride for a specialist investigation.

Concerned and baffled fairground owner John Silcock explained:"This ride was supposedly at the top of the tree regarding safety. I have operated a similar ride for over five years with no problems.

"Over the past five years there have been a lot of improvements - my other ride had one locking device fastening the safety bar, the new one has three."

The 18 seater Nottinghamshire built ride is based on an Italian design which has been in use for around 25 years, explained Mr Silcock and was delivered brand new to the site and tested before use .

He said:"Hopefully Susan Burrows will recover quickly from her injuries. The bar came open while the ride was in progress but locking devices are supposed ton prevent that.

"I spent £250,000 on it because of safety improvements. What happened is a tragedy and a body blow to us.

"It is safer going on a fairground ride than getting on a bus but every injury on a fairground makes the papers. All our rides are regularly inspected by Health and Safety engineers, just like a car has to pass an MOT. Any faults should have been sorted out in the factory.."

A Health and Safety Executive spokesman said:"We are still investigating and use of this ride will be prohibited until we are satisfied."

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