Boy, nine, rushed to hospital after huge gust of wind flings inflatable ball into the air with him trapped inside

A SCHOOLBOY playing in an inflatable ball has been taken to hospital after a gust of wind threw him into the air.

Police said the nine-year-old boy was sitting in an inflatable ball when a storm threw him through the park in Southport, Merseyside.

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The rescue helicopter landed in the city’s Victoria Park and took the boy to hospital after the incident, which occurred around 2pm on Sunday.

The boy’s injuries are serious but not life-threatening, police said.

The child was in an inflatable ball called a zorb on a lake when a gust of wind lifted it into the air.

At the same time, a second zorb ball was also pulled up with another child, but fortunately that child was unharmed.

The freak accident happened as hundreds of people flocked to the popular park for the city’s food and drink festival.

Photos showed how rescue workers arrived at the scene of the accident in front of the families to treat the boy’s injuries.

Police said: “We are asking for information after a child was seriously injured in Southport today.”

“Around 2pm on Sunday 4 June it was reported that a nine year old boy had suffered serious injuries at an outdoor festival in Victoria Park on Rotten Row.

“The boy was in an inflatable zorb ball on a lake that was unexpectedly lifted into the air before landing on the grass.

“At the same time, a second zorb ball was also pulled up with another child, but fortunately that child was unharmed.

“The nine-year-old was taken to hospital by ambulance to be treated for his injuries. He is currently staying in the hospital.”

“We are now appealing to anyone who may have taken pictures or video of the incident to get in touch with us to help us clarify the circumstances of the incident.”