Theme park visitors were rescued after a fairground ride broke down in Hong Kong, leaving them stranded in mid-air for more than an hour.

Seventeen park-goers were on the 'Wild Twister' attraction when it suddenly malfunctioned at the Wong Chuk Hang theme park or Ocean Park on Sunday evening.

Footage shows the tourists strapped into their seats as the windmill-like attraction, which spins at high speeds, remained stationary.

Emergency services arrived at the scene and formed a human ladder to save the stranded visitors. The rescue was completed at 8:07 pm local time with no injuries reported.

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), citing the park, said on Monday that the breakdown was caused by 'sensor malfunction signals that triggered the ride's safety system to suspend the operation'.

The department said: 'EMSD has requested that Ocean Park conduct a detailed investigation and reopen it only after confirming safety by the competent person of the amusement ride and upon inspection by EMSD officers.'

Ocean Park said it has since suspended the fairground ride. It said in a statement: 'Ocean Park is performing inspections and repeat testing for the Wild Twister. The Park would like to express its gratitude to passengers affected by the incident for their kind understanding.'

The affected visitors were also given free ride packages 'as a token of appreciation for their kind understanding'.