Thirteen people have been rescued after they became trapped in the gondola of the Jurassic Skyline tower in Weymouth.

A Coastguard helicopter winched 11 members of the public and two members of staff from the 53-metre (153ft)-high attraction.

Dorset and Wiltshire fire and rescue service was called to the scene just after 4.10pm on Tuesday afternoon after engineers’ efforts to free the stuck gondola failed. 

Firefighters ascended the tower to provide support and reassurance , the service said in a statement.

It said most rescue options were discounted on the grounds of safety owing to the weather, adding: “At approximately 7.30pm, the Coastguard helicopter started to winch those trapped to safety.

“Arrangements have been made to provide them with a safe place to rest and recover once returned to the ground.”

The Jurrasic Skyline tower offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Weymouth and the Jurassic coast.

After all passengers were safely returned to the ground, Jurassic Skyline’s operator said: “A full investigation into the cause of the stoppage is under way. Jurassic Skyline will be closed tomorrow [Wednesday].”