A MACHINE operator’s arm was severed today in an industrial accident at G & P Maintenance at Rushenden, near Sheerness.

The 58-year-old man, from Rainham, suffered multiple fractures and tissue damage after his arm became caught in a piece of machinery.

A Kent Ambulance Rapid Response Unit was on the scene in Argent Road within five minutes of the accident which happened at about 11.15am.

The man was treated with fluids and pain relief by paramedics who also dressed his wound before he was transported by air ambulance to Maidstone Hospital.

A paramedic at the scene said: "The man got his arm caught in a machine. It is a very serious injury and he will be lucky if they manage to save it." The man remained conscious throughout his ordeal.

The air ambulance landed in a car park at the Tomas Seth Business Park after employees of the business on the park cleared their cars out of the way.

Police sealed off the area around the equipment that caused the arm injury and called in health and safety inspectors.