Health and Safety Executive looking into report of child being injured at May Fair

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has confirmed that it is 'making enquiries' into a report of a child being injured on an amusement ride at Ballyclare May Fair.

The HSENI was contacted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Council after a Ballyrobert woman made a complaint that her nine-year-old son had sustained a leg injury on the ‘Sticky Wall’ ride on Wednesday evening (May 25).

The woman claimed her son had suffered a “grazed and swollen ankle” and been left “traumatised” by the incident.

She said she’d had to take him to see a doctor as there was “no first aid treatment available on-site.”

The council confirmed that it received a complaint on Thursday afternoon (May 26) regarding an alleged incident at the amusements on Wednesday, May 25.

“Cullen’s is the service provider for the amusements at the Ballyclare May Fair, including the Sticky Wall ride. It is their responsibility to ensure the appropriate health and safety measures are in place, including first aid,” a council spokesperson told the Times.

“As the matter is outside the council’s jurisdiction it has been referred to the Health & Safety Executive Northern Ireland by the council for investigation.”

A spokesperson for the HSENI added: “The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland has been made aware of an incident on an amusement ride at Ballyclare May Fair and is currently making enquiries.”

Speaking on behalf of Cullen’s Amusements, Joe Cullen told the Times: “We are aware of the incident. It has been investigated and we have completed a report for the Health and Safety Executive.”

Asked if the company provides first aid equipment as a matter of course, Mr Cullen added: “We can’t make any further comment regarding the incident.”