Horrifying moment acrobat falls 16ft to her death during circus act in front of children

A Spanish trapeze artist has died after falling 16ft while performing in front of families at a circus.

Marina Barcelo had been performing in a big top in Bautzen, eastern Germany, in front of around 100 adults and children when she fell to her death.

The 27-year-old fell around 16ft from a trapeze swing while giving a solo performance for Circus Paul Busch just before 6pm on Saturday (September 27).

Tragically, despite the efforts of emergency responders to save her, Marina was confirmed deceased at the scene.

Screams are said to have broken out in the tent following the incident, with some guests reportedly scrambling to leave while others covered children's faces.

Born in Mallorca, Marina was an experienced trapeze artist and had been performing for around 10 years.

Marina Barcelo died after falling 16ft (SOLARPIX)

The height from which she fell has been labeled as 'unusual' for a fatal fall involving such an experienced performer.

CEO of the Association of German Circus Companies (VdCU) Ralf Huppertz said: "It’s unusual for a well-trained artist like Marina to not survive a fall from just five metres. Perhaps she got dizzy on the trapeze."

He added: "Five metres is actually not a particularly high height for acrobats; they are well-trained and muscular.

"The woman must have been very unlucky or fallen onto an obstacle."

An investigation has been launched following the tragedy (SOLARPIX)

Police have now launched an investigation into the tragedy.

Police spokesperson Stefan Heiduck explained that Marina had not been wearing a safety harness when she fell, but that this was not a legal requirement.

He said: "She doesn’t have to. She decides for herself whether to use safety rope.

"No one else was in the ring during the accident."

Marina's death has been met with an outpouring of sympathy and shock from the community, with the mayor of Bautzen, Karsten Vog, telling news station MDR: "The accident has deeply affected us.

Marina was an experienced performer (SOLARPIX)

"On behalf of the city, I express my sincere condolences to the relatives and bereaved.

"Our thoughts are with the families and all those affected by this terrible accident."

The circus shut following the tragedy, with a note on the ticket booth telling visitors: "Due to a bereavement, the circus will be closed."

Speaking to German newspaper Bild, an unnamed employee at the circus said: "We can’t believe this has happened."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Circus Paul Busch told People: "Please understand that our management is currently very busy dealing with this terrible event. We have canceled this year's tour due to this incident and need time to recover."

Marina had posted about her work on her Instagram, with one post on her page saying: "Up here, I work best."

She added: "I believe that art has the power to create unforgettable moments."