A WORKER has lost his thumb after an industrial accident, despite a seven-hour operation to try to save it.

Jason Folkes, 25, of Brodick Road, Shadsworth, Blackburn, was transferred from Blackburn Royal Infirmary to Withington Hospital, Manchester, for emergency surgery.

He was working at S and W Wood Products at Fountain Mill, Carluke Street, Blackburn, yesterday when it is thought his glove got caught in a cutting machine. It completely sliced his thumb off.

His girlfriend Julie Benson, 39, said: "The nurses at Manchester say he knows he has lost his thumb. They said he was devastated and in shock.

"I really thought they would be able to save it because he was in the operating theatre for so long, but it must have been very difficult."

Julie's 12-year-old son Kevin also damaged his thumb falling on broken glass recently. Julie added: "I really feel for Jason because I know how Kevin has struggled since his accident.

"He is still having treatment for damaged nerves and has had to have plastic surgery but at least he still has the thumb. I know Jason is going to be really upset."

Nobody at the company was available for comment.

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and has launched an investigation.

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