A fan that slashed the fingers of a six-year-old girl at an indoor play centre did not meet British safety standards, it has been alleged.

Megan Carberry needed surgery to repair damaged tendons after trapping her hand in the machine, which was used to blow up inflatable tunnels at the Hippodrome in Kings Road, Herne Bay.

A health and safety investigation was launched and the city council has now decided to press forward with legal action.

After the incident in January, witnesses described seeing a trail of blood across the floor as Megan ran through the centre screaming.

Her godmother Karen Collins said: "The party was going well and everyone was enjoying themselves, until just before the end of the party when my goddaughter ran up screaming with her hand covered in blood.

"Her mum picked her up, ran to the kitchen area and started to apply tissue in an attempt to stop the bleeding."

Last month, councillors held behind-closed-doors talks where they decided to prosecute the play centre.

According to a council document, the fan imported to Herne Bay from America did not conform to British safety standards and was kept in use after the incident, presenting a risk to other children.

It also says the centre was not inspected by an independent person or insurance company, but the equipment was used despite an inspection by staff on the morning before the incident.

Other notes reveal legal advice taken by the council shows the case could be proven to criminal standard and that more health and safety concerns had been reported, although nothing as serious.

The cost of bringing a prosecution under health and safety legislation is £12,000, although it could be reduced to £4,000 if a guilty plea is entered.

Members recommended to begin legal action and council spokesman Rob Davies confirmed instructions from the committee were being carried out.

Two separate cases against the company and a director have been launched.

Megan’s father Tony, a nurse from Broomfield, said he had no comment to make at this stage.

Hippodrome owner Martin Fossey says he has yet to receive a summons from the council and was taken by surprise when contacted.