“The fall was very tough. The audience gasped,” said a witness.

The acrobat’s assistant who had been holding a rope in the ring rushed to the stricken performer who was motionless on the ground.

She lost consciousness and was rushed to hospital where she is in intensive care, according to reports.

The shocking vertical rope fall was seen by children and their parents in the pre-New Year performance at the Vladivostok State Circus audience.

The circus claimed there was “no defect” in the equipment and suggested her fall was due to “human factor”.

In a statement, the circus said: “The administration of Vladivostok State Circus is already working with police to find out the reasons for the accident and is closely monitoring Yelena’s condition.”…