A BOLTON engineering worker was rushed to hospital today after a metal bar speared his arm. John Ashton, a machine operator at Worsley-based Eaton Limited, sustained the horrific injury when he slipped and fell on to a metal basket.

work mates and company nurse Pauline Hillman rushed to help after the quarter inch metal bar punctured his arm.

Fire crews and paramedics were called to the scene but workmates managed to cut the bar close to where it entered his arm, leaving a section in Mr Ashton's limb.

This morning a company spokesman for the Worsley Road North firm confirmed Mr Ashton, of Westby Grove, Bolton, had been transferred to the Royal Bolton Hospital.

He added: "The company nurse will remain in touch with the hospital to check on his progress. "The important thing was not to try to pull the bar out of his arm because it could have done more harm."

It is understood the bar entered his forearm and exited close to the elbow.

Paramedics administered pain killing gases but Mr Ashton remained conscious throughout his ordeal.

Firefighters had prepared to use special cutting equipment to free the stricken man.

It is understood he has worked at the gear box manufacturers for 14 years.

Workers from the company's maintenance department managed to cut the bar before fire crews arrived.

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