OPENREACH has spoken out about an accident in Hereford where a worker had to be rescued by the fire service.

The company, which maintains telephone cables and exchanges, said an engineer got stuck in a hoist boom – like a van mounted cherry picker ­– used to reach heights.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service had to be called to rescue them.

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A nine-metre ladder and stabilisation were used to rescue the person in Emlyn Avenue.

A spokesperson said crews from Hereford and Ewyas Harold were called to the Westfaling Street area of the city at 3.46pm on Monday.

Hereford Times: Fire crews at the scene on MondayFire crews at the scene on Monday

But Openreach says the accident was caused by a gust of wind which saw the hoist boom get stuck on a pole step.

A spokesperson said the fire service helped the engineer to get down from the hoist safely and no injuries were reported.

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"The health and safety of our people, contractors and the public is our number one priority, and everyone working on the site was fully trained.

"Our safety team is reviewing the incident with our contractor.”