An acrobat is recovering after a horror fall from a 'giant wheel of death' during a show in Great Yarmouth.
The male cast member plunged an estimated 30ft (9m) in front of hundreds of people at the Hippodrome Circus on Wednesday evening, December 13.
Families watched as privacy screens were quickly put up and two doctors from the audience - believed to be an off-duty police officer and a paramedic - came to help.
Norfolk Police said the performer "sustained serious, potentially life-changing injuries" and was taken by ambulance to the James Paget Hospital, and later transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.
Circus manager Jack Jay said the acrobat was "fully conscious" after the fall.
"Obviously it was a very distressing and scary situation to happen. But we are pleased to say that the performer is recovering well after being evaluated over night," Mr Jay, who is also the circus ringmaster, said.
"I cannot thank the audience enough for their understanding and respect during the initial halt and also the minutes after as we needed to clear the building."
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.
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.
Mr Jay said the circus is planning for Friday night's 6.30pm show to go ahead - but they will be confirming any changes this afternoon for customers.
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.”
The Health and Safety Executive have been notified about the incident and are expected to investigate the fall and the apparatus at the circus.
A spokesperson for Norfolk Police said that officers were called at about 7.37pm on Wednesday, December 13, to reports that a man had fallen from a height.
They said 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, the police said.
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.”
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