A man had to be airlifted to hospital after falling into a deep trench at a construction site today.

Residents reported seeing an air ambulance land near Birtenshaw Hall School, off Darwen Road in Bromley Cross, this morning.

Fire fighters from Bolton North and Central fire stations attended around 11.30am and rescued a man who had become trapped in a four-metre-deep trench.

The ambulance service confirmed they had also attended the construction site near the school and the derelict Holland's garden centre with an air ambulance responding to the man who was injured in the incident who they have taken to hospital.

A spokesman said: "A helimed crew and HART (hazardous Area Response Team) also supported the response."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 11.30am this morning (Tuesday 14 September), two fire engines and a turntable ladder from Bolton North and Bolton Central fire stations were called to Darwen road, Bromley Cross, to rescue a man who had become trapped in a four-metre-deep trench.

“Crews arrived quickly and firefighters worked hard to rescue the man using heavy plant machinery, fire service slings and a stretcher, before conveying him into the care of colleagues from North West Ambulance Service.

“Firefighters were at the scene for around two hours.”