Blackpool Tower Circus: Families watch in horror as acrobat injured in high wheel accident

Families watched in horror as a circus performer dropped several feet from a high wheel to injure his wrist in Blackpool on Saturday afternoon.

Blackpool Tower Circus was evacuated after the acrobat fell from the Wheel of Faith - sometimes known as the ‘wheel of death’.

Organisers quickly moved to reassure crowds that the performer is “recovering well” after the rehearsed manoeuvre went wrong.

A statement from organisers read: “Our medical team responded quickly with our well-established emergency procedures and supported the performer until the emergency services arrived.

“We are pleased to confirm the performer is recovering well and being treated for a minor injury to his wrist.

“The safety and well-being of our performers is of the highest importance.”

Blackpool Tower Circus will continue with performances as normal on Sunday.

The Wheel of Faith involves two performers standing on wheels on the end of a long arm that rotates around a central axis.

It is a circus classic but has proved fatal in the past, such as in 1994 when a performer is said to have died after falling off.

The incident on Saturday was well reported on social media.

One parent wrote: "In Blackpool Tower with the kids watching the circus when the bloke who was at the top of the wheel of death fell to the ground. Immediately all the audience were escorted out. I hope he is ok."

Another added: "Serious accident at the Blackpool Tower Circus this afternoon.

“A circus performer fell several feet from the wheel of death stunt onto the circus floor. Paramedics rushed him to hospital and the circus was evacuated. Praying all is well.”