BBC News Online: UK: England

Speedy Millennium Wheel safety scare

Thousands of tourists were turned away disappointed

It was a perfect day in the capital for viewing the skyline from the giant London Eye, but a computer problem made the 450ft-high structure rotate too fast and it was halted amid safety fears.

Engineers were brought and after a few hours got the attraction, officially known as the British Airways London Eye, up and running again.

Computer glitch

A spokesman said people who had tickets for Saturday and missed their ride were being offered refunds or the chance to ride another time.

"It is basically an IT problem," the spokesman said.

"They were trying to relaunch the software but when they did so the wheel was turning slightly faster than normal."

A letter of apology had been handed out to tourists at the attraction on the banks of the River Thames explaining the situation.

One tourist, who asked not to be named, said: "I've come down all the way from Huddersfield to go on the Eye, so I'm a bit fed up.

"But I suppose it's better to be safe than sorry."