A BIKER has been airlifted to a major trauma centre for specialist care after suffering a serious hand injury in a low-speed fall.

The motorcyclist, a man in his 40s, got his hand caught in the chain, causing an injury that required emergency surgery.

The incident took place at about 10.50am on Sunday (December 20) on the minor road that runs between the Bank Farm Holiday Park and the Old New Inn in Arley on the Shropshire and Worcestershire Border.

An ambulance was initially sent but the crew requested an air ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham was sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The rider, who was in his late 40s, told the crew that he had been moving at very slow speed when he toppled off the bike and got his hand caught in the chain.

“Unfortunately, this caused a very serious hand injury that would require surgery, so the crew requested a helicopter for transport, as time was of the essence.

“The air ambulance landed at the nearby holiday park where the patient had been taken by the ambulance.

"He was then flown to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where medics were on standby for his arrival. The outcome of his further treatment is not known.”