A MAN'S left arm was severed below the elbow in an horrific industrial accident.

The Health and Safety Executive has launched an investigation at B Robinson and Company, Kenyon Street, Whitebirk, Blackburn, following the incident at midday yesterday.

Anthony Joseph Cowley, 27, of Heys Close, Blackburn, was operating a steel tool press when he became trapped in the machine.

It cut off his left arm below the elbow as it crushed his hand.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary, but later transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital for an operation to straighten the elbow joint.

His severed arm was taken to hospital packed in ice but surgeons were unable to save it.

A paramedic who treated Mr Cowley said: "He was still trapped in the press when we got there.

"He was freed from the press, and his left arm had been removed.

"His hand was completely crushed. His arm was cut off. They won't have been able to re-attach his arm.

"He was conscious throughout when we were at the factory.

"We gave him something to take the pain away and he was one of the good patients, and was aware he had lost his arm."

A spokesman for the police said officers were called to the scene by the paramedics.

He said: "Mr Cowley was operating the steel tool press and became trapped.

"This severed his arm below the elbow. His hand was completely crushed.

"The Health and Safety Executive are now investigating the incident."

The company presses components for Saab vehicles.

A spokesman for the company today declined to comment.