Circus performer injured in front of children during 'Globe of Death' stunt

A circus performer has been injured while performing at an event for children in Devon.

Emergency services are at the scene of a concern for welfare incident regarding a circus performer. Shortly before 5pm this evening, emergency services raced to Circus Extreme on Esplanade Road in Paignton.

The circus said the incident involved the 'Globe of Death' act. The performance involves a number of motorbikes being ridden around a spherical metal cage at speed, reports DevonLive. A Circus Extreme spokesperson said: "Earlier today, during our performance, there was an incident involving our Globe of Death act. Our performers are highly trained professionals, and our emergency protocols were immediately put into action.

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"The safety of our artists and audience is always our number one priority and the situation was handled swiftly and safely. We would like to thank our amazing team, the emergency services, and our audience for their calm and support.

"We are aware that some members of the public may have recorded the incident. Out of respect for our performers, we politely ask that any videos or photos are not shared across social media platforms.

"All upcoming performances will continue as advertised, and we remain committed to bringing world-class extreme entertainment safely to all our audiences."

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that they were called to the scene following a "concern for welfare for a performer at the circus on Esplanade Road in Paignton." The force added that an ambulance had also been called.

One witness reported that the stunt men crashed into one another during the motorbike performance. The vehicle is believed to have fallen onto one of the riders who appeared to be badly injured.

Spectators were evacuated from the big top and a number of them were visibly upset by what they'd seen.

Meanwhile, Children's Week Torbay, an annual free event on Paignton Green, said: "We’re aware of speculation on social media about an incident at the circus today.

"To clarify, this did not close any roads and it has not cancelled our event. Sadly, there was an accident during a circus act this afternoon.

"Our compere Paul, who is also a paramedic, immediately provided care until the ambulance and Devon Air Ambulance arrived. The individual involved has been taken to hospital, and we all wish them a very speedy recovery.

"A huge thank you goes to our amazing team, who worked quickly to clear Paignton Green so the emergency services could attend without delay. Children’s Week is still going ahead as planned.

"The only change may be a slightly later start to the Onesie Disco while Paul and the team take a short break – but please still head down for 7pm to join the fun."