A SWORD swallower, who has entertained Weston crowds for more than five years, almost died when he impaled himself during a live act.

Hannibul Hellmurto from the Circus of Horrors, who once reached the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals, had to miss November’s trip to The Playhouse after a horrifying accident which saw him rip a 10cm hole in his oesophagus when swallowing a lit glass neon tube in Bradford.

Having spent three weeks in intensive care and a further fortnight in hospital, he is now fully recovered and will be rejoining the tour this year, which includes a performance at the Colston Hall in Bristol next month.