Boy, nine, injured after zorb 'lifted into air by gust of wind' at food festival

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

The boy was in the ball on a pool of water at the Southport Food and Drink Festival on Sunday afternoon when it was picked up by the gust at around 2pm, according to reports.

The boy was treated by first aiders then taken by air ambulance to hospital from the festival at Victoria Park.

Merseyside Police said he had been seriously injured but his injuries were not life-threatening.

One witness told the Liverpool Echo: "It was quite breezy then all of the sudden there was a gust of wind.

"It (the inflatable ball) went over the trees and we thought it was a balloon at first before we realised it was one of the inflatables with a child inside."

According to some reports, the inflatable reportedly burst upon landing.

Merseyside Police confirmed it had attended the event following reports that a child had been seriously injured.

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"At around 2pm, it was reported that a nine-year-old boy had sustained injuries at an outdoor festival in Victoria Park, on Rotten Row," the force said.

"He has been taken to hospital by air ambulance for treatment to his injuries, which are not life threatening.

"Emergency services remain at the scene while the circumstances of this incident are established."

Sefton Council said the event had stayed open after a health and safety investigation, saying: "Our thoughts are with those involved in the accident and we wish them a full recovery."