A 69-YEAR-OLD local man who was described as "seriously trapped within a car" had to be cut free from his vehicle by firefighters at Winkleigh yesterday, Bank Holiday Monday, May 25.

Emergency services were called to the collision between the car and a lorry on the A3124 near Winkleigh Court at 2.48pm.

Fire crews from North Tawton and Chulmleigh, together with the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Heavy Rescue Tender from Middlemoor in Exeter were mobilised to assist Ambulance paramedics and the Police.

BASICS Doctors and Devon Air Ambulance Services also attended to assist.

After the vehicles were stabilised by the fire crews, the firefighters used hydraulic cutting equipment and small tools to free the man from the car.

The person was then placed into the care of paramedics before being transferred by a Devon Air Ambulance to the NHS South West Trauma Centre at Derriford, Plymouth, where further medical intervention was sought for the patient.

Fire crews then made the vehicle and scene safe before leaving duty of care with the Police.

Officers from the Exeter Serious Collision Investigations Unit are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to telephone Devon and Cornwall Police using the 101 number and quoting log number 0552 of 25/05/20.

Police would like to thank members of the public for their patience during the scene closure.