Child's foot severed in bicycle

A seven-year-old boy from Lancashire is recovering in hospital after his foot was partially severed when it got stuck in the spokes of a bicycle.

Paramedics were called to Broadwater Avenue in Fleetwood on Saturday afternoon after Jamie Austin's left foot got caught in the wheel.

The accident happened just metres from the youngster's home as he jumped on the back of his older brother's bike.

He was taken to hospital in Blackpool where surgeons re-attached his foot.

However, according to Jamie's mother, Tracey, it could be weeks before the family discovers whether the operation was a success.

'Horrific injury'

Firefighters had to cut through the chain to free the youngster.

Mrs Austin, 32, said: "The cog sliced through his leg like a chainsaw because the chain had fallen off.

"It was only the quick thinking of one of the neighbours to hold him up so he didn't wrench his leg free that stopped his foot coming off completely.

"The doctors said it was the most horrific injury they had ever seen on a child.

"If he gets an infection in the next few weeks he could still lose his foot and not all the tendons could be sewn back, so he won't ever get full use of it again anyway," Mrs Austin added.