Circus performer in hospital after falling during Great Yarmouth performance

A circus performer in Norfolk's suffered potentially life-changing injuries after falling from a large performance wheel during a show.

The male cast member fell an estimated 13ft-16ft (4m-5m) at the Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth, on Wednesday evening, the venue said.

He remained conscious throughout and is thought to have suffered injuries to his arm, shoulder and leg.

The show, called the Christmas Spectacular, was stopped for the evening and the audience was asked to leave the venue.

No other performers or members of the public were hurt.

'Mistiming'

The circus manager and ringmaster Jack Jay told the BBC the fall appeared to be due to a "mistiming", saying: "He went to jump through one of the wheels and slipped, landing on the floor."

He added: "He was fully conscious after the fall and two members of the audience, believed to be an off-duty police officer and a paramedic, came forward to help."

The venue said it is "unlikely" the acrobat will be able to return to the show this season but is "hopeful" he will perform again after some recovery time.

"Scary for all involved"

A spokesman for the Christmas Spectacular said: "Obviously this sort of event is scary for all involved. We are all wishing a speedy recovery for our fellow cast member.

"We would like to pass on our thanks to the audience in attendance, who were very understanding and remained calm."

A Norfolk Police spokeswoman said officers were called at around 7.37pm on Wednesday night and are working to establish what led to the fall.

She said: "The man sustained serious, potentially life-changing injuries, and was taken by ambulance to the James Paget Hospital, and later transferred to Addenbrookes Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

"A seal was put in place at the scene overnight, but this has since been lifted.

"Officers are working with the local authorities to establish the circumstances that led to the incident."

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: "One ambulance, one rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and East Anglian Air Ambulance were called to St George's Road, Great Yarmouth last night (Wednesday) following reports of a man injured in a fall.

"One patient was transported to James Paget Hospital (in Gorleston) with serious injuries."

Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.