Dozens of terrified thrill-seekers were left stuck in their after Europe's tallest mobile ride broke down just hours after opening.

Petrified riders were left dangling in mid-air after the 260ft-high Star Flyer stopped working on Sunday, just hours after it opened.

It is thought the occupants of the ride's spinning carousel were stuck for around eight minutes before they were lowered down to safety in Blackpool, Lancs.

The huge ride, around half the size of the Blackpool Tower, had only opened on Sunday morning to the public.

It came to Blackpool as the star attraction for the Winter Gardens Wonderland Festival and was originally due to be located on St John's Square.

But council chiefs insisted it be dismantled and moved to the promenades because it was too big to be operate safely in the town centre.