An engineer had to be cut free after trapping his arm in part of a lift at a block of flats in a sheltered accommodation complex in Shrewsbury.

Firefighters were called to help free the man after he became stuck in a shaft above a lift at New Park House, in New Park Road, Castlefields, last night.

The man was understood to have been carrying out maintenance work at the Severnside property for a lift contractor.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said that when crews arrived they discovered the man had trapped the lower part of his arm between the frame of the shaft and the lift itself.

Cameron Taylor, watch manager, said: “He was trapped by the metal frame of the lift car. Crews were required to use an electrical saw to cut through the metal frame to allow the arm to be released.”

The man, who got stuck just before 6pm, was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for a check-up, mainly to ensure he had not trapped any nerves, but he did not suffer any serious injuries.

Murray MacGregor, a spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, confirmed the man was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Sarah Boden, chief executive at Severnside Housing, today said the incident involved an external contractor.

She said: “We are aware that there was an incident last night involving our lift maintenance contractor at New Park House in Castlefields. The engineer was not believed to be seriously injured, and we will be working with our contractor to investigate the incident.”

It is understood the man returned to hospital today for further check-ups.