Victoria Balch was among four people seriously injured when two carriages collided on the Smiler ride on Tuesday afternoon.

Her lawyer, Paul Paxton, said she was in a "critical" condition, suggesting she was more seriously hurt than previously reported.
Her family were "distraught", Mr Paxton, a partner at Stewarts Law, said.

He added that it was expected that a "substantial claim for damages" would be made - and a criminal prosecution considered.

He said: "Whilst it is anticipated that there will be a substantial claim for damages to support Victoria in her recovery, the main focus at present for the family is Victoria's well-being and ensuring that the investigation into the accident is carried out swiftly and vigorously.

"They have every confidence in the police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

"It is expected that serious consideration will be given to criminal prosecutions.

"The family are distraught that a fun day out could turn into such a potentially life-changing disaster."

The other three seriously hurt have been named as Daniel Thorpe, a 27-year-old hotel assistant manager from Buxton in Derbyshire, textile design student Joe Pugh, 18, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, and his girlfriend, Leah Washington, 17.

Nick Varney, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments which runs the Staffordshire visitor attraction, today said safety measures "were not adequate" at Alton Towers.

He defended the decision to close a number of other rides at other theme parks run by Merlin.