A COUNCIL worker has been airlifted to hospital after his arm was trapped in a wood chipper.
The 25-year-old's arm was caught in the machine while carrying out routine grounds maintenance work in Spennymoor, County Durham, this morning.
He was transported by the Great North Air Ambulance to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.
Police and ambulance crews also attended the scene, in Atherton Close.
Oliver Sherratt, head of Durham County Council's Direct Services team, said the authority has launched an internal investigation.
It is co-operating with the Health and Safety Executive which confirmed it is also investigating the incident.
Mr Sherratt said: "First and foremost our thoughts at this time are with a well-respected and popular member of staff and his family.
"This morning's incident has also been extremely upsetting for the team of grounds staff who were on the scene and I would like to thank them for their quick-thinking and for the support their offered their colleague."
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