A STEEL erector from Burnley was severely injured in a 40ft fall in Middlesex while working at the site of a new Sainsbury's store.

Jason Bruce, 30, of Anglesey Avenue, suffered serious spinal injuries, broken ribs and a punctured lung at the site in Waltham Abbey. Mr Bruce was airlifted to specialist Middlesex spinal unit at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Broxley Hill, Stanmore. At the hospital he had an operation on his back.

Mr Bruce's parents, Christine and Richard Margerison, have been at Jason's bedside along with his two sons Sam, 10, and Hayden, 4.

Mr Bruce is employed by a Yorkshire-based firm and previously worked for one in Longridge.

The Health and Safety Executive is investigating the accident.