Woman ‘slips from harness’ in Winter Wonderland accident during acrobatic performance at London’s Hyde Park

‘It was horrific. I thought it was part of the act but when she didn’t get back up I knew something was wrong,’ witness says

Jackie Armstrong, 35, was rushed to hospital after the accident (Zippos Circus TV)

An acrobat has been rushed to the hospital after falling to the ground during a performance at Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park.

Jackie Armstrong reportedly slipped out of her harness at the Zippos Christmas Circuit Show at 6pm on Sunday.

Onlookers reportedly screamed as she fell, before they were asked to leave the tent.

Initial reports said Ms Armstrong fell 30ft, but Zippos Circus later said she fell 12ft.

“It was horrific,” a witness told The Sun. “I thought it was part of the act but when she didn’t get back up I knew something was wrong.

“A group of people ran on to help her and people were shouting for a paramedic.

“I thought I heard her scream or wail, so hopefully she is conscious.

“But it looked terrible. People in the audience were coming out crying. There were quite a lot of kids as well.

“We saw paramedics rush in as we were coming out.”

Another witness told MailOnline: “The lady had one foot in the loop with no actual harness and her foot slipped out and she fell to the floor diagonally.

“Kids were on the front row and there were people screaming.

“She was yelping in agony, it was traumatic as she bounced as she hit the floor. There was an announcement after a min or two to all leave.”

A spokesperson for Zippos Circus said: “The female British artist, Jackie Armstrong, performs an aerial act and is a highly experienced circus artist with 10 years in the ring.

“Jackie was immediately attended to on the scene by first aiders and an ambulance called.

“She was taken to hospital by ambulance and further information on the nature of her injuries is awaited.”

Circus founder and director Martin Buton said: “Jackie is a very experienced artist whom we value dearly as part of our circus family.

“Clearly we are concerned and offering her and her family our full support and sympathy at this time.

“At this stage we cannot comment further as we have no information on any injuries she may have sustained.”