A ROLLERCOASTER crash which seriously injured five people was caused by "human error", Poole-based Merlin Entertainments bosses have said.

The crash on The Smiler at Alton Towers in June saw the theme park closed for four days and 18-year-old Leah Washington lose her leg in the incident.

Now a report has been issued which Merlin owners have attributed to "human error".

As previously reported, the company that runs the 500-acre park was forced to close three more rollercoasters following the incident.

The Saw ride at Thorpe Park in Surrey was shut following the crash and the company then decided to close Dragon’s Fury and Rattlesnake, both at Chessington World of Adventures.

In November the company said up to 190 jobs could go at the theme park after revenue plunged shortly after the horror crash which hit headlines around the world.

Owners revealed a sharp drop in admissions across its park division as visitors steered clear from the Staffordshire attraction.