The seven-year-old boy who fell from a rollercoaster at Lightwater Valley theme park in Yorkshire, UK, on Thursday is now in a critical condition.

The child fell from the Twister coaster, a spinning steel ride capable of reaching a speed of 29 mph (47 km/h) with a top height of 43 ft (13m). It was first opened in 2001 and manufactured by Reverchon, a French ride supplier.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Lightwater Valley said: "We have been informed by North Yorkshire Police that the medical condition of the child involved in the incident at the park yesterday is now described as critical.

"We are devastated by this news and our thoughts are with the family.

"The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) personnel are now on-site and we are assisting them as required.

"We take the health and safety of our visitors very seriously and are committed to providing support to the affected family. We will continue working closely with the HSE and emergency services.

"The ride concerned will remain closed until a full investigation has taken place."

The accident is being investigated by North Yorkshire Police, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been informed of the accident.

It's the second time that the Twister is involved in a serious incident.

In the year the ride opened, in 2001, university student Gemma Savage, 20, died when two carriages collided on the ride.

Following an investigation, the theme park's owner – Lightwater Valley Attractions – the manufacturers of the ride and an electrician were fined for health and safety breaches.