All the rides on the pier were closed for business yesterday after one of the arms of the Crazy Frog broke free and two passengers were injured.

Health and safety officers have been inspecting the ride following the incident in which 15 people were forced to get off the machine just after 10.30pm on Wednesday.

Operators shut down the funfair shortly after the collapse and made the decision to close the attraction for the following day.

Malcolm Henley, from the HSE, said: "Two inspectors have been on Central Pier and we await the results of their findings."

Only one of the two women injured were on the ride at the time of the incident.

She was trapped by the arm and was helped by paramedics before being taken to hospital.

A second woman was hit by flying shrapnel from the collapse and treated for cuts to her leg at Blackpool Victoria.

Both women are now recovering from their injuries at home, after being released from hospital.

Leisure Parcs, which owns Blackpool's three Victorian piers, told The Gazette the ride was subject to an inspection at regular periods during the year.

A spokesman for Leisure Parcs said: "Following the incident on Wednesday evening involving the Crazy Frog ride on Central Pier, we are working with the Health and Safety Executive, who have been on site yesterday.

"The ride recently underwent a periodic inspection and was fully tested in accordance with the guidelines.

"All the rides on Central Pier were closed yesterday and we await the findings of the site visit.

"The pier will be open for business as usual today."

Hundreds of people visit the Crazy Frog ride – which is part of Central Pier's mini funfair, – every day.

Firefighters who attended the scene said they feared the worst when they arrived on Central Pier.

Watch manager Mark Warwick said: "We got the call saying the ride had collapsed and persons reported trapped – we feared the worst.

"Fortunately when we arrived it wasn't as bad as we first thought and most people had been able to get off the machine.

"It could have been a lot worse but the quick actions of the paramedics and the public helped the situation."