A family friendly event was brought to an abrupt end when a young boy was involved in a medical emergency.

Paramedics were called to a fun fair held in a field off Parsonage Street, Halstead, after the operator’s son encountered breathing difficulties.

Members of the public were urged to leave the fair immediately as the young boy received treatment at the scene.

He was later taken to Colchester General Hospital where it was confirmed he had suffered a severe asthma attack. He has since made a full recovery.

The incident, along with heavy rain throughout Friday evening, meant the fun fair remained closed throughout the weekend and was unable to open to the public.

The fair was overseen by the Showmen’s Guild, which manages and helps organises many fun fairs run in the UK.

A spokesman for the organisation said: “A family member of the operator had a medical emergency related to an ongoing condition that required immediate treatment at hospital.

“This event diverted the operator’s attention from running the fair on Friday evening.

“Completely separately, as the weather deteriorated considerably over the weekend with storms, the operation of the fair became unviable and for the comfort and safety of the visiting public it was decided that the fair should remain closed.”

The spokesman added: “This is a disappointment for both the operator and fair goers; however, all members of the Showmen’s Guild operate under strict guidelines with safety as the priority.

“It is hoped there will be another visit when the weather is better.”

A spokesman for the ambulance service confirmed a boy had been rushed to hospital by paramedics.