ALTON TOWERS UPDATE: Four seriously injured in Alton Towers roller coaster crash

Four people have been seriously injured after the dramatic collision, which happened just after 2pm. Staff are currently evacuating the ride and general area. An air ambulance has just arrived on the scene and everybody who was on board the ride is receiving medical attention.

A spokeswoman said: "Ambulance staff and medics are working quickly with resort staff to gain access to the seriously injured."

"There has been an incident on the Smiler this afternoon involving two carriages coming together on a low section of the track. One of the carriages was empty and the other had 16 guests in. The resort's fully qualified first responders were on the scene immediately to assist with the evacuation, which is ongoing, and the area has been closed to allow for access to emergency services vehicles. To ensure the safe and timely evacuation of guests a platform is being constructed. This will take a few minutes but will enable us to proceed more quickly. There will be a full investigation once we have recovered the guests, who are our priority," In a statement, Alton Towers said.

It was the second anniversary of the ride first opening on Sunday.

Credit: Daily Star