A FACTORY worker severed three fingers in an accident at a small furniture manufacturing firm in Accrington.

The man, who is in his 50s and from Accrington, is thought to have been using a circular saw to cut wood when his right hand caught in the blade. Police have not released his name.

Lancashire Air Ambulance arrived at IPEC Furniture Limited in Lodge Mill, Victoria Street, shortly after 3pm yesterdayand took the injured man to a specialist unit at the Royal Preston Hospital for treatment.

Accrington-based clinical paramedic tutor Chris Rowan said: "When we arrived the man was in a lot of pain and losing blood.

"We concentrated on making him more comfortable. Three of his fingers had been amputated. They were taken with him to the hospital. His injury was severe and there is a lot of tissue damage."

Shocked colleagues from the factory floor were sent home for the afternoon.

The firm's managing director Ernie Philipson said: "We still don't know how he did it.

"We spoke to his doctors this morning and they confirmed they haven't been able to save his fingers. He has lost three.

"He's worked here for eight years and is a popular member of the team.

"We are a small firm and the accident has been a big shock to everybody.

"I've spent a lot of time with him and will be going to see him as soon as he is well enough for visitors."

The Health and Safety Executive is investigating.