TODDLER IN FAIRGROUND TERROR

Two-year-old Cameron Woodley received three stitches at the Conquest Hospital after the accident at The Stade on Monday.

Mum, Andrea Woodley, said: "It was terrifying. I could see him climbing out but I couldn't get to him because the gate into the ride was locked and by the time the attendant saw what was happening it was too late."

The accident happened at about 3.15pm when Cameron, on a day trip to The Stade, saw the child's rollercoaster style ride and eagerly climbed aboard the red fire engine cart.

But as soon as the ride started he became distressed and, trying to get off, stood up and put his knee on the side bar.

When the ride went over a little bump Cameron tumbled from the cart and smacked his face on the ground.

Mrs Woodley, of Hughenden Road, said: "There were no harnesses to keep the children in.

"When I saw him stand up I tried to get into him and other parents were shouting to stop the ride, but when the attendant noticed, after Cameron had travelled a whole circuit standing, it was too late.

"When I was finally able to get to Cameron there was blood everywhere and he was crying and screaming. It was terrifying. They need to make the ride safer."

Staff at The Stade called an ambulance and Cameron, who had to be watched all night in case of concussion, received three stitches to his head wound.

The Stade manager, Michael Lee, said: "When the operator saw the boy stand up he stopped the ride. The boy had a small cut on his forehead, but we don't take chances and we phoned the ambulance. The mother signed the accident book on Monday to say we had done all we could, but the next day she came back and said she wanted compensation. This is the first accident we have had in six years. There are no harnesses because they are not required and the ride is for young children. If the mother wants compensation I told her I will pass it on to head office."