An investigation was today under way after two teenage girls were injured in a fairground accident.

The 15-year-olds were hurt on the Crazy Frog ride at a travelling fairground in Spa Road, Witham.

One girl broke a leg after hitting a platform as she clung on to the ride. Her friend received minor injuries after she was thrown from the ride at full swing moments earlier.

Both girls, from Witham, were taken to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, but were later sent home. Neither wished to be identified.

Health and safety experts were due to inspect the attraction today to find out the cause of the accident which happened at 8.25pm on Friday.

Scott McCann, of the Health and Safety Executive, said: "We will need to find out if all safety aspects of the ride were correct and functioning.

"The investigators will also be considering witness statements and they will decide if the ride can be re-opened. But if there has been any breaches of health and safety legislation then we will take action.

"We are relieved the accident wasn't more serious and we hope the two girls are feeling better. People go to fairgrounds to enjoy themselves and don't expect this to happen."

PC Richard McNamara, who was called to the incident, said: "When we arrived many people were congregated around a young lady lying injured.

"She was conscious and in some pain. An ambulance soon arrived and officers then had to concentrate on dispersing the crowds to give her as much room as possible."

The Crazy Frog attraction was closed on Saturday and Sunday but the fairground stayed open. It will be in Witham until Saturday, April 1.

The Health and Safety Executive will announce the results of the report at a later date. The owner of the ride did not wish to comment.

Scene - the Crazy Frog ride, left, where the girls were injured at the travelling funfair.

Picture: STEVE BAINBRIDGE

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