A FATHER was critically injured and trapped for 30 minutes after being hit on the head by a branch as he pruned a tree.

Police said Paul Slater, who is in his 30s, was working with a chain saw in the garden of a house in Wheatley Lane Road, Fence, yesterday afternoon.

Sub Officer Shaun Naughton of Nelson firefighters said: "He was about 12ft up in the tree cutting a branch lower than him when it sprung back and hit him on the head and then crushed both his legs against the tree.

"We put a ladder against the tree to get a paramedic up to treat him. He was in a semi-conscious condition."

The paramedic gave Mr Slater oxygen and dressed his head injury.

Firefighters cut away branches before lowering Mr Slater to the ground on a board.

Mr Slater, of Earl Street, Colne, is understood to be married with a daughter. Firefighters said he was working with his father-in-law and they operate a family business. They said his father-in-law shouted to other workmen at the house to call for an ambulance.

Mr Slater was taken to Burnley General Hospital but last night was transferred to the neurosurgical unit of Leeds General Infirmary where his condition is described today as "critical".

The owners of the house were out at the time and did not want to speak about the accident today.

Scenes of crime officers photographed the scene and Health and Safety Officers have been informed.

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