A MAN had to be recovered by firefighters after becoming trapped under a metal vessel, thought to weigh several tonnes.

The incident happened around 6.45pm last night at an unnamed premises in the Church Road area of the Portrack Lane Industrial Estate, Stockton.

It is believed the man is in his 30s or 40s. He was removed from the factory unit by firefighters and handed over to the ambulance service, before being taken to hospital.

The police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have also been involved.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "A piece of equipment has fallen on top of him, initially pinning him down. When it has been lifted off he has been taken to hospital to be checked out. It was indicated that he has chest injuries, albeit very minor, and the matter has been referred to Health and Safety by the company themselves."