POOLE-based Merlin Entertainments has said a safety feature was the reason passengers on an Alton Towers rollercoaster were left stranded.

The £12million, refurbished Air Galactica ride stopped on bank holiday Monday at around 2pm.

It was reported that 28 people were stranded in “mid-air” at the top of the first incline on the 65ft high ride.

A spokesman said: "On the afternoon of May 2, heavy rain obscured a sensor on Galactica which meant that the ride was automatically stopped.

"This is a standard safety feature on this ride and the ride was working exactly as it is designed to do. The health and safety of our guests is our number one priority and our team followed standard procedures to get the guests off as quickly and as safely as possible.

"The ride has re-opened."

Merlin Entertainments recently pleaded guilty to breaking health and safety laws after a rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers last June, which led to two young women having legs amputated.

Merlin, which is headquartered in Market Close, Poole, was warned that it “may be ordered to pay a very large fine”.