Moment 'mini tornado' strikes festival as boy in zorb ball hurled 65ft into air
This is the alarming moment a "mini tornado" was spotted near a park where a boy was seriously injured in a zorbing accident.
The nine-year-old was inside the inflatable ball at 2pm on Sunday during an outdoor festival in Victoria Park, Merseyside when it came off a lake and landed on grass nearby.
He was taken away by air ambulance for treatment after being catapulted "15 to 20 metres" (49ft to 65ft) into the air.
Merseyside Police are investigating the incident amid reports that it was caused by a "freak weather phenomena".
Footage is now being shared of what appears to be a whirlwind whipping up on a road outside the park.
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Footage is being shared of what appears to be a 'mini tornado' near the park (Liverpool Echo WS)
It comes amid reports that the accident was caused by a "freak weather phenomena" (Liverpool Echo WS)Officers confirmed they are aware of the footage, and that it will form part of their investigation, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Many social media users commented on the clip, speculating that it could show a 'dust devil' - a strong and relatively short-lived whirlwind.
Such weather phenomenons often form as a swirling updraft under sunny conditions during fair weather.
Paul Holmes, who was in the park at the time and rushed to help the boy, said: "In my peripheral vision I saw two of the zorb balls go up into the sky and I just screamed at the top of my voice 'there's a kid in one of those balls someone catch him.'
Police at the festival on Sunday (Liverpool Echo)"The minute I shouted 'there's a boy in the sky' the staff at the inflatable place were quick to get all of the kids out of the remaining balls in the pit.
"I don't know if the parents jumped in or just the staff but they were quick taking them out of the remaining balls. One of the zorb balls didn't go that high and landed.
"The main zorb of concern I would say was probably 15 to 20 metres in the sky easily. The wind just whipped it up into the sky. It was like a bit of a freak weather phenomena."
The boy was injured after being swept inside an inflatable ball (Liverpool Echo)Police have since confirmed the boy remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
A second zorb ball was also raised but the child inside was unharmed, added the force.
A statement said: "We are appealing for information after a child was seriously injured today in Southport.
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"At around 2pm on Sunday June 4, it was reported that a nine-year-old boy had sustained significant injuries. The boy was inside an inflatable zorb ball on a lake, which was unexpectedly raised into the air before it landed on the grass.
An ambulance at the Southport Food & Drink Festival (Liverpool Echo)"A second zorb ball containing another child was also raised at the same time, but thankfully this child was unharmed.
"The nine-year-old was taken to hospital by air ambulance for treatment to his injuries. He remains in hospital at this time.
"We are now appealing for anyone who may have captured images or videos of the incident to please get in touch to help us establish the circumstances of what happened."
Sefton Council confirmed that a full health and safety inspection has taken place.
A second zorb ball was also raised but the child inside was unharmed (Liverpool Echo)A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that an Air Ambulance was called to Victoria Park, Southport this afternoon (Sunday, June 4) following an accident within the grounds.
"First aid responders from St Johns Ambulance reacted quickly to provide assistance to the person involved prior to the arrival of other emergency services.
"Following the incident a full health and safety inspection has been undertaken at the Southport Food and Drink Festival and the event remains open to the public. Our thoughts are with those involved in the accident and we wish them a full recovery."
Anyone with information can direct message @MerPolCC or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting reference 596.
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