A factory worker has undergone emergency surgery after being pinned under a forklift truck.

The man, believed to be in his 40s, was last night recovering at Bradford Royal Infirmary where he had treatment for a serious leg injury.

The incident happened at Denso Marston radiator makers in Otley Road, Baildon, shortly after 6.30am yesterday.

The victim's workmates on the factory floor raised the alarm and paramedics and firefighters from Shipley and Rawdon were called to the scene.

Firefighters had to raise the forklift truck by about three inches using airbags so the man could be slid out from under it in a five-minute procedure.

Shipley watch manager Andy Clayton said: "We had to work quickly. It was important that we kept him talking and calm. Under the particularly nasty circumstances he did very well."

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and will investigate the circumstances of the accident.

In a statement a Denso Marston spokesman said: "Our priorities at this time are to ensure that our employee's immediate needs are taken care of. This is obviously an upsetting time for all, even those not directly involved.

"Denso Marston has an excellent safety record. However we cannot become complacent and therefore we are undertaking a full investigation into this accident to try to learn from any area where improvements can be made.

"We would also like to thank all employees for their actions and response during the incident as all parties dealt with it in a thoroughly professional manner."

It is believed the man, who has not been named by the company, did not suffer life- threatening injuries.

A spokesman for the Bradford Teaching Hospitals, which runs the BRI, said last night: "The patient is out of theatre now and is in a stable condition."

e-mail: kathie.griffiths@bradford.newsquest.co.uk