An air ambulance and fire crews were called when a man fell 13ft though a trap door when working on a school extension in Bradford.

The man, said to be in his mid-50s, suffered neck and severe head injuries, facial wounds and a broken arm in the accident yesterday at Feversham College.

The Health and Safety Executive is investigating and it is thought work has now halted on the site, in Cliffe Road, Undercliffe.

Gio Richetta, watch commander at Bradford Fire Station, said the man was working within scaffolding and had fallen through a trap door, which was about four foot square, on the second storey and landed on the floor beneath.

Mr Richetta said: “Special mention must go to the school staff nurse who was first on the scene when she became aware of the incident. She rendered the first aid and helped with the early initial treatment until the paramedics arrived.”

The man was conscious when fire crews arrived, but Mr Richetta said he had suffered serious head injuries and suspected internal injuries.

The man was taken to Leeds General Infirmary Hospital by air ambulance.

Mr Richetta said: “With head injuries it’s critical they get the immediate gold standard of care and that was the quickest way. LGI has the trauma team that deal with this type of incident.”