A HAMPSHIRE council has removed zip wires from three play areas after a boy was seriously injured.

As reported, an eight-year-old boy suffered a serious head injury and was taken to Southampton General Hospital after he fell from a zip wire at Dean Park play area in Winchester.

The incident happened two more than two weeks ago on March 25, but police only released this information on Thursday after it was reported to them on Monday.

It is understood that the boy was in hospital for two weeks before being discharged.

Now the zip wire at Dean Park play area and ones at King George V play area in Milland Road and Somers Close play area in Stanmore will be removed until investigations are complete.

Local residents say they believe the incident involved an adult and a child, but police said this was incorrect.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Police said: “At this stage we are looking to find out what happened; there are several lines of enquiry. At this stage we do not know what happened.”

A spokesman for Winchester City Council, said: “Winchester City Council became aware of the incident on Wednesday.

We were sorry to hear about it and wish the boy involved a speedy recovery.

“The council has thorough procedures in place for regularly checking all play equipment and areas using qualified staff and a schedule of independent inspection. The incident is being fully investigated.

“As a precaution, the zip wire at Dean Park play area, together with two similar pieces of equipment at King George V play area, Milland Road, and Somers Close play area, Stanmore, will be immobilised until investigations are completed.”

Police is appealing for information about the incident which happened at 5pm on March 25.

Anyone who saw the boy fall from the zip wire, or who was in the park at the time, is urged to call police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 44160128664.