A THREE-month-old baby had an amazing escape after plunging 15 feet down a lift shaft.

The boy is thought to have escaped serious injury thanks to his pram during the fall from the first floor of Smyths Toy Store at Middlebrook Retail Park, Horwich, at 12.20pm yesterday.

He suffered cuts to his face and was taken to hospital, where he remained last night under observation.

It is understood that as the lift doors opened, the baby boy, who was in a car seat in a pram, was pushed inside — but the lift was not there.

An ambulance spokesman confirmed the baby was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital.

It is understood the car seat in the pram protected the boy from being more badly injured.

Last night the lift was cordoned off but the store remained open for Christmas shoppers.

Heather Crank-Ingham, spokesman for Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park, said: “We are obviously extremely concerned that this upsetting incident has occurred. Our best wishes go out to the family.”

A spokesman for Smyths Toy Store added: “We are currently investigating with our lift providers on this matter. Unfortunately we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

Police were called and officers were at the scene for several hours.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “A council health and safety officer visited the store yesterday afternoon.

“A full investigation is being carried out.”

Did you witness the incident? Call our newsdesk on 01204 537271.