AN eight-year-old girl was traumatised after being “strangled” by a helmet strap when she slipped on a climbing wall.

Mum Tracy Jarvis has called for safety improvements at the Fun Factory, in Purdeys Way, Rochford, following the terrifying incident on Saturday.

Fun Factory says safety is its prime concern and is carrying out a review.

The 46-year-old said her daughter Katie fell unconscious after the strap on her helmet got caught on a piece of equipment as she tumbled.

Mrs Jarvis said: “She was climbing up a second time when she slipped and the strap on the back of her safety helmet got caught on a hand grip.

“It put all of her weight on the front of her neck and made her pass out. She was basically being strangled. It was horrendous.”

Mrs Jarvis said she feared Katie could have been killed or left with brain damage.

The mum-of-eight said: “It could potentially have been fatal if she had been higher up and out of reach.

“I just feel that parents need to be aware. I have had professional climbers contact me to say people should not wear helmets on these kind of walls for exactly this reason. It is not safe. Cats have a collar that releases them if it gets trapped – why can’t they have something like that?”

Katie has been left with a sore neck and is suffering from night terrors and anxiety.

A spokesman for the Fun Factory said: “We are extremely concerned about the incident which happened this weekend.

“The Fun Factory is a family run business. We have an excellent safety record and are fully compliant with all necessary current regulations and have procedures in place that are over and above what is required.”

The spokesman said the company will carry out an investigation with council health and safety officers and will publish a report online and added: "We wish to reassure all our customers that you and your children’s safety is our highest priority.”