AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into how a man suffered horrific arm injuries at a recycling firm.

The man, in his twenties, caught his right arm in machinery at Coolrec, which specialises in recycling refrigerators on the Burnt Mills Industrial Estate, Harvey Road, Basildon.

The man's arm was trapped in a conveyor belt and badly crushed and broken in several places.

Firefighters used specialist cutting equipment, taking about 45 minutes to free him.

He was taken by ambulance to Basildon Hospital.

Simon Eatherton, ambulance spokesman, said: "The patient had sustained very serious injuries to his right arm. Our crews worked superbly with the fire crew to ensure the man was stabilised as quickly as possible. He was trapped for some time, but remained alert and conscious throughout.

"We were able to give him pain relief to help."

The Health and Safety Executive confirmed inspectors are visiting the site.

The incident happened at about 7.40am on Friday.

Coolrec declined to comment while the investigation is ongoing.