A Christmas fairground has been sealed off after a ride ‘failed and crashed’ tonight, with one woman rushed to hospital and 11 others injured in the horror incident.

Police and paramedics hurried to the scene at Centenary Square, near the library in Birmingham at 7.30pm after reports of an issue with one of the rides.

Fire services said the fairground ride ‘crashed’, dropping to ground level while still in use. Tonight, all the rides have been frozen and the bright neon lights turned off as emergency services attend.

One woman was taken to hospital but luckily her injuries aren’t believed to be serious.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service said 11 other patients were assessed and discharged at the scene of the accident.

It’s been reported that the ‘Star Flyer’ ride was the attraction that broke. It is 180ft high and swings pairs of chairs around in a circle while moving up and down.

The ride described as having a ‘bird’s-eye view’ by Danter Attractions, which runs the Christmas fairground.

A description reads: ‘Come and ride one of the tallest rides around, on the mighty Star Flyer! This stunning ride will take riding high into the sky, offering panoramic views of wherever it is located.’

A Christmas fairground has been sealed off, reportedly after a ride collapsed in Birmingham 

It’s been reported that the ‘Star Flyer’ ride collapsed, which is described as ’55m high’

Paramedics seemed to have a stretcher at the ready as they attended the scene

A police cordon is currently in place, and several police cars, ambulances and fire engines were pictured at the scene.

Photos posted online appear to show the swings broken, with mangled seats tied up with one another.

BirminghamLive reported a police officer as saying ‘some were injured, but not sure how badly’.

A police spokesperson said that ‘a small number of people are being treated’ but no serious injuries have been reported.

The BBC reported that ‘girls who appeared to be injured’ were seen walking away from the area, with ‘one girl who seemed to have her face cut’.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: ‘We currently have officers in Centenary Square, Birmingham following reports of an issue with one of the rides.

‘A small number of people are being treated at the scene by paramedics – but no serious injuries have been reported.

‘Centenary Square remains cordoned off this evening while we support our emergency service colleagues. Please avoid the area.’

West Midlands Fire Service said: ‘At approximately 1930 on Thursday 12th December we responded to an incident at Victoria Square outside the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham.

BirminghamLive reported a police officer as saying ‘some were injured, but not sure how badly’ after the ‘Star Flyer’ ride collapsed

A picture of a Star Flyer ride in Digbeth

The scene of the accident with several police cars at the fair

‘One fire engine from Ladywood fire station attended, and arrived in just over four minutes. This incident involved a fairground ride that had failed and crashed. The ride dropped to ground level whilst in operation.

‘We assisted Ambulance colleagues with treatment of a number of casualties, whose injuries are not life-threatening. One casualty has been conveyed to hospital, with several others discharged on scene. We are not working on the rescue of any further casualties.’

The ride is part of ‘Britain’s biggest German Christmas Market’ with a big wheel and ice rink.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow